We laugh and joke that everyone in Durham is separated by less than three degrees of separation, and that everyone knows everyone in one way or another. Our story couldn’t have started if it weren’t for a wonderful and quirky group of friends that we loosely called “The Durham Beacon”. I was coming in hot from Long Island, New York looking for a fresh start and lucked into the best roommate situation that introduced me to the Durham scene. Kelly had made some of the best friends ever through her job, and those friends happened to live on the next street over from me. We went to the same parties and gatherings, awkwardly introduced ourselves to each other a few times, forgetting in our inebriated blur that we had done so a previous time. We had a few false starts (thanks to yours truly), but every time we got to know each other more and more we thought to ourselves, “hey, this person seems pretty cool”, and gradually the affinity to hang out became more and more evident. Then, one rowdy summer afternoon at Bull McCabe’s, in the frenzy of the Women’s FIFA World Cup, we started gravitating towards each other in a way that was obvious to my good friend Andi as he rambunctiously went up to both of us, looked at me and blatantly told me to give Kelly my number. I was dumbfounded, but couldn’t have agreed more as I was happy to get to know Kelly and find any excuse to get to know her better. Lucky for me, she felt the same and agreed to the exchange and we quickly set the time and place for our very first date to go bouldering. Little did I know that through countless more dates and six years later, that we would commit to each other for the rest of our lives.

While we had decided that marriage was in the picture, the pandemic had made it clear that we could get through the toughest of times and still find happiness with each other, laugh at silly things, have deep conversations, and learn to grow together. Basically, we drove each other nuts, but more or less in a good way. In November of 2020, I decided it was time. It took months of planning. A question here, a question there, and time in between to throw off the scent; surprise was a must for the proposal. First it was a casual, “Hey, what’s your ring size?”, then a month later, “Hey, what kinda rings do you like?”. I wanted it to be precise and perfect. I even went as far as bugging our good friend Brian for a caliper so I could get the size down to the millimeter, 16.35 mm, a ring size 6. Then the search began, many beautiful potential rings were looked at, but as quick as it had started, I was able to find one that I felt great about and that was it. Once it had arrived, I stole a glance and it was even more stunning in person. This was it, it was perfect. It was almost a shame to hide it for the next few months, but timing was everything. After the ring, everything else fell in place, I had found my rhythm. During our visit to Scottsville on Mother’s Day, I had planned to ask Kelly’s parents for her hand in marriage. While old fashioned, I felt that it was a nice gesture that I was happy to do. It was an operation that took some coordination. Kelly’s brother Chris, and sister-in-law Sarah were critical in distracting Kelly while I stole a moment from her dad to ask. I was nervous, but Bob sure was happy, “About time, I thought you’d never ask!”, he said. That was all I needed, the stage was set.

A few months back, about the same time I got the ring, I had booked a campsite in the Smoky Mountains for Kelly and I and a few close friends in June. I figured this was enough time to set everything up and for Kelly to not suspect a thing. I wanted it to be in the great outdoors since Kelly and I love hiking and this passion became exponential during the pandemic. We had found something we love to do and I couldn’t think of any other place that could be more perfect than in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We set out on our journey on a sunny Thursday and I snuck a text to our friends to make sure they were ready for the moment on a big hike the next day. A bit of happy tension, but the wonderful weather and amazing company kept everyone at ease, Kelly of course, had no idea. The big day came and I was ready with the ring close at hand and ready at any moment. We hiked an epic trail full of beautiful flora and fauna through the Smokies, but by mid-day I still hadn’t found a perfect spot. Then Jacob talked about Clingmans Dome being nearby and that was it, the perfect spot. I had to do it. I asked everyone if they had been to Clingmans Dome and half the folks hadn’t so I had the perfect excuse. We rounded ourselves up and off we went! We drive off, winding around the mountain, mesmerized by the gorgeous mountain ranges and cliffside views. We got there and the nerves were starting to build up, I was excited and nervous. Everyone was enjoying themselves, gazing at the hazy mountain tops from the amazing structure that is the spiral overlook at the mountain top. I had scoped out a spot and waited for the right moment.

As we walked down the overlook, I asked Kelly, “Hey, this is a pretty cool view, would you want to take a picture with me?”. She happily agreed, and Brian, being the adventure photographer that he is, brought out his handy dandy professional camera, ready for the moment. We then posed in front of the spiraling overlook, and I said, “This is going to be a memorable moment for me, I hope it will be for you too...” I then got down on one knee and asked “Will you marry me?” She said yes! And now, like hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’ve gone from one mountain top and are now making our way to an even bigger one. Hopefully you’ll come along with us and we’ll see you there!