After a few weeks of swiping, fate, or perhaps a really good algorithm, brought us together. We both swiped right, and that’s where our story began. After only a handful of messages, Kyle’s no-nonsense approach cut through the small talk, and we quickly planned our first date: drinks at Jack Astors in Kitchener. Conversation flowed easily, but with our busy schedules, those early weeks unfolded slowly. By mid-February, though, we started seeing each other more often, and soon, our dates began to include actual meals, progress! By March, we were already clicking. Kyle had even come along to Kincardine to meet Carol’s parents, perhaps a little soon, but when you know, you know. One night, while sitting together on the living room couch, Carol worked up the courage to ask: ‘So… what are we?’ Without hesitation, Kyle revealed he had already been calling her his girlfriend. From that moment on, our story has been unfolding, one filled with laughter, adventures, and a love that grows deeper every day.

Nine years later, on February 23, 2024, Kyle planned the perfect proposal during Arrowhead’s Fire & Ice Skate. The moonlit trail was lined with tiki torches, casting a warm glow over the ice as we skated together in nearly –30°C air. After four laps, Kyle staged a ‘skate incident,’ asking Carol to turn and make sure no one ran into him while he fixed his laces. When she turned back, he was on one knee (in hockey skates), holding her hand, and asked her to marry him. Her answer was an immediate yes, obviously. We skated one more lap, hearts racing, before settling by the fire to take in the moment, newly engaged and ready to begin the next chapter of our story together.