We're getting married!

It all started thanks to a little behind-the-scenes matchmaking by our friends—Taylor & Nader Nassar and Kyler & Tash Dawson. The group was headed to Austin to ring in New Year’s Eve 2023 and celebrate a friend’s birthday, and somewhere in the planning, they decided it was the perfect time to introduce Kara and DJ. The only catch? They didn’t tell Kara & DJ they we were being set up. Taylor, Nader, and Kara stayed at DJ’s house that weekend, and the moment DJ handed Kara an espresso martini, something just clicked. The conversation flowed, the chemistry was easy, and it didn’t take long for them to realize this was something special. Later that evening, DJ noticed Kara was in the pain. Ever the gentleman, he called her an Uber so she wouldn't have to walk on her injured foot—an injury that turned out to be a full-blown break from the week before. Broken foot or not, it was the start of something neither of them saw coming, but both are so grateful for.

DJ planned a weekend trip to NYC in March, and Kara definitely had a hunch something sparkly might be in her future—but she had no clue when or how. The plan for the day was simple: get ready a little early before dinner and go take some photos at Washington Square Park (very on brand—we take pics everywhere we go) After a few photos in the park, DJ casually suggested walking one block over to a pretty street —Washington Mews, a charming private cobblestone lane tucked behind NYU. There, DJ took a few photos of Kara, then Kara took a few of DJ. He asked to see the photos, and as she handed the camera back, he started saying sweet, heartfelt things. Before she could fully process what was happening, DJ pulled out a ring and proposed! Kara said yes through happy tears—and just moments later realized there had been a photographer capturing the whole thing. The rest of the night? A perfect blur of happy tears, city strolls, phone calls to family and friends, and celebrating over sushi. It was everything!