Karina and Kellen both grew up in Eugene, Oregon, running in the same circles of friends without ever really connecting in a meaningful way. They first reconnected in college over New Year’s Eve, when Kellen was home from San Jose State for a break and Karina was at the University of Oregon in their hometown. What started as a familiar night eventually became something that felt like the beginning of everything. After that, life took them in different directions more than once. Kellen was drafted by the Texas Rangers and began traveling the country playing baseball, while Karina followed her own path, backpacking through Southeast Asia and later moving to Los Angeles for her career. Even with distance and time between them, they always seemed to find their way back to each other in different seasons of life. Eventually, it all came back together in a lasting way. Since then, they’ve built a life full of travel, new places, new friends, old friends and learning how to make home wherever they are. These days, they’re on the road for Kellen’s baseball career, spending time in different cities and settling into Austin, Texas as their home away from home. Without ever planning it, New Year’s Eve became their full circle. What started as the night they reconnected in college has become a tradition they’ve shared every year for the past decade. It’s the one constant that has followed them through every version of their story, always bringing them back to each other. On their yearly trip with friends, just a week after celebrating their ninth New Year’s together, Kellen proposed. During a trip to St. Thomas, he planned a surprise proposal on the beach, bringing together some of their best friends to share the moment. What felt like another special trip became one of the most magical days of their lives, tying back to the very tradition that started it all. They’re so excited for what’s next and deeply grateful for everyone who has been part of their journey along the way.