After meeting a few times in a group setting with a bunch of dental kids, Stephen finally asked Caroline on a date to get some ice cream for her 22nd birthday. Not looking for anything, but open to new friends, Caroline agreed, but didn't intend on starting anything serious. However, after they got back to Stephen's apartment, he noticed a bracelet on Caroline's wrist, which happened to be a miraculous medal, something Stephen was very familiar with since he also grew up Catholic. He immediately asked if she was religious, and after learning that each other were proud Catholics, they spent the rest of the evening getting to know each other and asking all the important questions. After this night, there was no denying that their friendship was meant for so much more!

Stephen and Caroline realized things were getting pretty serious in January of 2024, and they decided it would be a fun idea to fly back to Pennsylvania on a 3 day weekend to visit Stephen's hometown and parents while they had time. The trip went swimmingly, they visited Stephen's old school, church, and home. They even got to visit a winery with Stephen's parents. However, on the way home, their flight was delayed. Not just once, but it was delayed by 2. whole. days. before it was finally cancelled. They ended up having to book a new flight and did not return home until over 48 hours after they were scheduled to be back. Although it was a nightmare at the time, Caroline and Stephen like to think of it as their first adversity, which they handled with ease, and helped them both to get to know each other in a.... different sort of way

Stephen has countless memories from Disney World growing up and wanted to share this experience with Caroline the first chance he got! This trip was also great timing to go visit Grandma Bauer in Florida all at once. The first park of the trip was EPCOT! Stephen woke up Caroline super early in the morning so they could be one of the first in the park when it opened. After moving quickly, they were the third and fourth in line for Soarin’ Around the World! The next day, after Caroline knew what she had gotten herself into, was another early morning. Magic Kingdom was the next park and another successful morning! They got to the park with enough time to watch the pre-opening park show and were in the front of the line for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Stephen got to show Caroline all the things he learned about Disney growing up while riding and viewing as many attractions as time allowed. They finished up an exhausting day with the lights and fireworks show 'Happily Ever After' on Cinderella's Castle. The rest of the week was spent with Grandma and a special appearance, from Jackie, in The Villages Square eating ice cream at Scooples!

Stephen grew up in Pennsylvania, and Caroline grew up in Kansas. This difference in upbringing was never so large as when Stephen got his first taste of the annual Dodge City Days Rodeo. This was something Caroline's family did every year, and even though they aren't exactly "country" themselves, they understand the way of life that is the rodeo. The Williams family was slightly worried he would think it was hokey or corny, but as soon as he got to see the first bull rider and barrel racer, Stephen was locked in and ready to convert to Cowboyism. From that first evening on, he had his own pair of boots, his very own cowboy hat, and a brand-new alter ego which he hopes to bring out more than once a year! Now, the rodeo is something both Caroline and Stephen look forward to yearly.

After a long week of finals for Caroline (and I mean LONG), her classmate Chase asked if her and Stephen wanted to do a spontaneous trip to the mountains to relax before the new semester started. Of course they agreed to such a relaxing (what Caroline thought was a last minute) trip to the mountains with friends. After lunch in Frisco, Chase asked if Stephen and Caroline had ever heard of a nice lookout spot called Sapphire Point. Since they'd never been, Stephen and Caroline agreed. Upon arrival, Stephen waited patiently for their turn to take pictures with the panoramic view of mountains and Lake Dillon behind them. Once it was their turn, Caroline obliviously fixed her hair in preparation for pictures with friends. But, when she opened her eyes again, Stephen was on one knee. After waiting for what seemed like an eternity to Stephen, Caroline finally said "yes", and the small crowd that gathered around cheered with them.