On Cinco de Mayo Kaitlyn decided to try out a new brewery - Smiling Toad - on her way home from happy hour with her coworkers. This was the first time (and ultimately last) Kaitlyn would ever go to a bar by herself. Chris had been test driving cars nearby with his best friend, Jeff, when they decided to also visit Smiling Toad Brewery. When Chris and Jeff entered the brewery, Chris eyed one open seat at the bar next to a blonde and ditched Jeff to take the last seat. After eavesdropping on Kaitlyn's conversation with another woman at the bar, Chris asked "are you a teacher?" and the rest is history...

In September 2022, Chris had the opportunity to travel to Bavaria for a four week work training and Kaitlyn decided to tag along. During this trip to Europe, Kaitlyn and Chris went to Oktoberfest, explored the Alps in Innsbruck, went wine tasting in Bardolino and wandered the canals of Venice. When Kaitlyn first learned of Chris' trip to southern Germany, she instantly realized the small town of Pfronten, where Chris would spend the next four weeks, was only a short 15 minute drive from Neuschwanstein Castle. Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th century historic palace commissioned by Germany's King Ludwig II of Bavaria who spent much of his kingdom's fortune building castles. BUT most importantly, this is the castle that inspired Walt Disney to build Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland. Half way through their trip to Europe, Kaitlyn and Chris made reservations to visit and tour Neuschwanstein Castle. After a 1-mile uphill hike to the castle, a 30 minute tour, and lots of hiking and exploring around the castle, Kaitlyn's dreams had been fulfilled by seeing the castle that started it all and they decided to head home. As they were about to embark on their mile hike down the mountain, Chris asked Kaitlyn if she'd like one more picture in front of THE Disney Castle. After taking pictures for nearly 3-hours Kaitlyn was very confused as to why Chris was suggesting more pictures... but decided to take advantage of the opportunity and take one more. Chris asked some strangers to take a photo of us (thank goodness they spoke English) and that's when Chris popped the question and Kaitlyn said "YES!" (after many "stops" and "shut ups"... oops!) And that is the story of the most epic proposal at Neuschwanstein Castle - Prost!