We're getting married!!

Kelsey: My friend Samantha invited me to her wedding in Annapolis, telling me that she wanted me to meet a guy from her ship. “You’re both in Charleston, he doesn’t know anyone - you’ll like him!” She said. I don’t remember our first conversation (a fact that Chris constantly reminds me of) that day, but after a night involving the Fleet, the Pussers dance floor, and laughing in his face about the car he drove (a honda accord that he still has), I was toast. Despite the fact that he wore crocs on our first date, will drop anything to watch any Pittsburgh team play, and couldn’t drive a manual, Chris was the one! We spent the next five years chasing each other across the country, and here we are! Chris: The first time I heard of Kelsey was in the last row of the USNA chapel. A friend of mine asked if I had seen her at the wedding yet, but I replied saying I had never met her before. A few hours later I was introduced to her in the gardens of the William Paca House and her blue eyes caught my attention instantly. I had never seen such pretty blue eyes. After talking briefly, we went our separate ways and enjoyed the reception. Later that night we met at the bride’s house and headed into Annapolis. I remember my friend asked if I wanted to hold her hand and without hesitation, I yelled YES. The first drink I bought Kelsey was a Yuengling and thankfully I’ve been able to buy her many beers since then. The weekend ended and I was lucky enough to get her phone number! I texted my roommate that afternoon, “I met a girl, she could be the one.” (Cliché, I know) Back in Charleston, she made me a pork dinner, I met her dog, and I was sold. I guess my crocs made a lasting impression on our first date, and after that the rest is history!

The morning before they left for Europe to celebrate Kelsey getting out of the Navy, Chris told Kelsey he had a brunch to go to for his boss. After getting ready, they pulled up to the William Paca house in Annapolis, where they went out into the gardens (they were early for the brunch to help set up). Despite the rain, Chris dragged Kelsey out into the gardens to reminisce on the last time they were there, the day they first met. Just as Kelsey had had enough of getting wet - she had actually put on nice clothes for the brunch - Chris got down on one knee and pulled the ring out of his pocket! The brunch was 100% a ruse to surprise Kelsey, which totally worked. Chris asked Kelsey to marry him, and she said yes - twice - Chris asked again juuuuust to be sure. We're SO EXCITED to celebrate with you!! See you in October :)