We realize now that we have a ton of mutual friends -- Jacob's childhood friends ended up being some of Kaitlyn's closest high school friends. He went to Greer High School and Kaitlyn went to Riverside. Somewhere in there, we think we crossed paths because we were social media friends. We reconnected via Instagram dm's (Kaitlyn shamelessly made the first move). Were "friends" for 6 months and had decided we didn't want to do long distance. We decided to finally hang out over Christmas break of 2016 and the rest is history!

I (Kaitlyn) planned an entire mountain weekend trip for my birthday with friends and family. Jacob decided to capitalize on this opportunity of an already planned trip to propose. Unbeknownst to me, Jacob had bought a ring in January (that didn't arrive until the day we were leaving) and everyone knew about it. Somehow everyone on the trip was able to keep the secret, as I was completely shocked! Jacob had no real plan - only that he planned to do it on Saturday. When we arrived in Downtown Blue Ridge there was a massive festival going on, with hundreds of people everywhere. Jacob, and the rest of the crew, had to pivot to plan b - the apple orchard. Once arriving at the orchard, a quick ring swap, and a distraction with taking photos and next thing I knew Jacob was next to me on one knee! I was truly shocked. The most perfect surprise and proposal I could have ever asked for.