It was August of 2021 and they were set up by some mutual friends. With a couple fun dates under their belt, it was clear that there was something there, and Jake asked Kaitlin to be his girlfriend. She said no, after all, it was only two fun dates so far. But he was not deterred and continued to win her over with his striking good looks and boyish charm. After a few more dates and a reasonable amount of time, SHE asked him to be her boyfriend! He said yes without hesitation. They ended up moving in together within the first year, and have been happily snuggling ever since. Fast forward to September 20, 2025. Jake had planned what appeared to be a spontaneous trip to Newport. At dinner the night before, he casually suggested waking up early and putting on some nice clothes for sunrise photos. Kaitlin didn’t think anything of it. Following a restless night of anticipation, they were up before dawn, tripod in hand, heading to the beach. Middletown Beach was perfect. Quiet. Peaceful. Just the two of them and the birds. Exactly how Jake had imagined it. Five minutes before sunrise, as Jake set up the tripod, a public works tractor arrived for the daily beach combing. Panic ensued. Jake rushed over, out of Kaitlin’s sight, to ask for ten more minutes. The driver wished him luck, then headed to the other end of the beach. Once again, it was just the two of them. As the sun rose over the water, Jake dropped to one knee. She said yes. On October 11, 2026, Kaitlin and Jake will return to Newport with the people they love most to celebrate the story that brought them here and the future they are building together!