Conor and Cari met in 2019 through a mutual friend during Conor’s senior year at ODU. They officially started dating in 2020 while Conor was attending Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC. His Navy orders stationed him in Norfolk, VA in 2021 where he and Cari bought their first house together, in Virginia Beach.

I was at a friend’s house when this guy comes in wearing a Navy uniform. I will admit, he was cute, but his humor and sweetness was what really interested me (and maybe the fact that we both loved the same video game). The next day we went to the beach together with some of his friends and I will never forget the awful Natural Light Beer bucket hat he wore that day (let’s just say he doesn’t wear that anymore). The first time he met my mom was one for the books, they were a tag team of bad influencers and they decided to take a “redheaded slu* shot” together (sorry you weren't there Dustin). From then on I was asked just about every week, “So, are you and Conor dating yet?”. My brother, Bryson, instantly loved Conor and his face would light up with excitement every time we came over to hang out with him. Let’s just say my family adores him just as much as I do!

It was meant to be, we found each other at the least expected time. From a friend of a friend I met Cari at my college house hanging out. I had just gotten back home from a Navy ball. We went our separate way for the night and then I saw her walking to her car just as I got home. I had the confidence to say hi and we ended up talking all night long. I later gave her my number and I thought I messed up because I didn’t think she was ever going to actually text me. I had no way of reaching out to her if she didn’t but low and behold she texted me the very next day and we went to the beach together with some friends. After then, I have never been able to get enough time with Cari. We have been adventuring, clinking beers, and supporting one another ever since.

Conor proposed on the beach at Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles, Virginia. It was a beautiful warm day in February, under the sunset with not a soul in sight - just what Cari wanted. Family and friends received calls and photos with the engagement news minutes later.