After three years of working in the same building together, and another three directly across the hall from each other, Sara finally agreed to attend a happy hour with Kennedy on the last day of school. Sara then ignored Kennedy for the entirety of the summer, except of course, when Kennedy, after an Orioles game with friends, came to visit her at her bar in Baltimore (she begged him to). Sara then ignored Kennedy for two more months until school began, when he continued to invite Sara to happy hours. Apparently a glutton for punishment, Kennedy decided that if he bought her a gluten free cupcake and invited her to his NFL kickoff football party, she would HAVE to come. She (inexplicably) did! Apparently Sara really likes cupcakes. Sara then ignored Kennedy for a few more weeks until he offered to help her study flashcards for a midterm. Sara sat, feet elevated and knees iced after a half marathon that day, while Kennedy quizzed her. A few days later, and apparently giving in to Kennedy’s exasperating persistence, Sara told Kennedy to ‘quit being a b*tch’ when he said he would be home alone on his birthday. She then insisted on coming over and celebrated Kennedy’s birthday by bringing a week-old, half eaten chocolate cake and lighting a Yankee Candle. Little did Kennedy know at the time, despite Sara acting completely nonchalant, she had sat in the ULTA parking lot for four hours that day waiting for a text from Kennedy saying he was done having lunch with his mom. Awwwwwww!

What followed was less ignoring from Sara and more Stanger Things marathons, leading to days and nights full of adventure and spontaneity between Baltimore and Columbia. Kennedy was drawn to prying open Sara’s hidden, yet full, fierce heart and Sara couldn’t get enough of Kennedy’s ability to tell her no…butttt also his ability to constantly make her laugh, sing ridiculous songs, and his endless thoughtfulness toward-and patience with-her. They now have made a home their own in Columbia, with Jordy, Kitty, and puppy Pippen.

In the midst of a weekend full of surprises, including a night in Baltimore and day around Columbia re-tracing past steps, Kennedy proposed to Sara on the riverbank in which he first taught her-rather, tried to teach her-how to skip rocks. What followed was a surprise birthday/engagement party at their favorite bar filled with loved ones. BEST. DAY. EVER.

Sara and Kennedy couldn’t wait to get married. They decided that their annual Halloween party-the fifth annual at Wedding Ring Way-would be the day they said their vows. Fourteen guests joined them in a costume wedding for the ages; a night no one in attendance could’ve dreamt of. From a beautiful rehearsal dinner to watching NFL football on the deck with many of those they love most, Sara and Kennedy couldn’t feel more joyful and blessed. The Paynter couple will always thank everyone in attendance for working tirelessly to make that unforgettable weekend happen.