We met like many couples do these days—on Hinge. According to our profiles, we were both work-focused and ready to find someone special. We decided to meet for a coffee flight at 12 PM on Sunday, June 4th, 2023. Fun fact: Bret didn’t know what a “coffee flight” was and half-joked that we might be catching a flight somewhere to get coffee! That first meeting was supposed to be just coffee, but neither of us wanted the date to end. After an hour of great conversation, we went for a walk, grabbed lunch, played mini golf, spent time on the beach, and ended the day watching the NBA Championship at a restaurant. It was an unforgettable first date that lasted all day.

Kara: “I was relieved that Bret looked like his photo and wasn’t catfishing me! I was also a bit sad he didn’t bring the dog from his pictures. But once we started talking, he was so easy to connect with, and I knew I didn’t want the date to end—which is why we essentially went on seven dates that day!” Bret: “The first time I saw Kara, she pulled into the coffee shop parking lot and accidentally hit the curb. Instead of being upset, she laughed it off, and I immediately thought, ‘This girl is pretty cool.’ We bonded over shared values—family, faith, and life—and I admired her optimism. That same day, on the beach, a man named James came over and told me, ‘You need to marry her.’ Little did I know how right he would be.”

We knew things were serious almost immediately. Kara introduced Bret to her parents just five days after we met since they were visiting from Ohio. From that moment, our relationship took off. By December 2023, we had traveled the country together, visiting six different states in just six months. We realized we made a great team—Kara is a master planner, making sure everything runs smoothly, while Bret handles any hiccups along the way. Together, we’re ready for whatever the world throws at us.

Bret had been working on a series of life story videos on YouTube, with Kara helping him film. On the day of the proposal, Kara thought we were just shooting another video. We went to a park near Kara’s house to film, but Bret had a different plan. As the camera rolled, he asked Kara to check something near the pond. When she stepped into the frame, Bret got down on one knee and popped the question—and she said yes!

Kara: “I love that Bret is such a great storyteller. His stories have helped me understand the man he is today, and they inspire me to create new memories with him that we can turn into future stories together.” Bret: “Kara’s loyalty was clear to me from the very beginning. The way she spoke about her family on our first date showed me how much she values the people in her life. She always has my back, and I love that about her.”

Our relationship grew stronger when we realized how our brains work in different but complementary ways. During stressful times, we’ve supported each other—Kara helped Bret through months of high-pressure work, making sure he was healthy and cared for. Bret, in turn, provided advice and emotional support when Kara faced changes. Through these experiences, we developed a rule: when one of us shares a concern, the other asks, “Do you want advice or just for me to listen?” This communication has made us closer and stronger as a couple.

We love traveling and have been to 14 states (and Washington, D.C.) since we started dating. Whether it’s Hersheypark, exploring small towns, or discovering new coffee shops, we love going on adventures together. Our inquisitive minds turn every trip into something special.

Kara: “During a cornhole tournament, Bret scored over 80% of our points, but we still lost. I joked that he should get a different partner next time so he could win. He quickly responded that he wouldn’t want a different partner because I was the reason he was able to play so well. That moment—and many others like it—show me how much he values and supports me, no matter what.” Bret: “I knew Kara was the one when I saw how she took care of me during my toughest moments. When I was overwhelmed and my brain was on overload, she didn’t hesitate to step in and help me with everything from my diet to my sleep schedule. That’s when I realized how special she really is.”

One of our favorite early memories is from that first date at the beach. A man named James, who had been catcalling women nearby, wandered over to us. Bret braced himself for what might happen next, but instead, James put his head between our chairs and told us, “You are the most beautiful couple I’ve ever seen. Bret, you need to put a ring on her finger today!” It felt like a sign from the universe that this was the start of something special.