Kristina made the trip from south Florida back to Gardner-Webb the summer of 2013 to visit friends and celebrate the 4th of July. Coincidentally, Benedikt was living with two of these "swimmer friends" in the apartments on campus and was around for the weekend's festivities. While they knew who each other were through these mutual friends, this was the first time they officially met. First task of friendship? Tying Benedikt's (the German) American flag bowtie for the day! By the end of the weekend, after discovering a mutual love for the Zac Brown Band, Kristina and Benedikt labeled themselves as "new best friends." When they returned to campus for the fall of 2013, their friendship continued to grow. From FCA meetings, to Checkers hockey games, and instagram #mancrushmonday & #womancrushwednesday posts, their time spent together was setting the groundwork for what was to come! People say that love is in the air in the spring, but Kristina and Benedikt's love story really began in the winter! The little town of Boiling Springs, NC experienced a major snow storm in late January of 2014. While there was much studying that needed to be done, Benedikt was persistent in spending time hanging out on the school's "snow days." There were snowball fights, long walks, and before Kristina knew it Benedikt had a "funny story" to tell about how he made a reservation for two for dinner on Valentines Day, their first date.

Kristina and Benedikt have grown to love adventuring through new places, specifically small, historic towns in the Carolinas. Whether its going for a hike or finding the next best place to eat, it is their favorite pastime. For months Saluda, NC had been a town of constant recommendation for the couple and they finally made the decision to go. Both fresh in their new job positions, this was one of the only weekends they would have to spend together without any other plans. After a beautiful drive through the mountains, and a nice CHILLY (important) lunch at the Purple Onion, Benedikt wanted to go for a short walk to an overlook of the town before shopping downtown. The couple made their way up to an old railroad track with a gazebo nearby that overlooks the town, and sat to take in the view. It started to get even more windy when Benedikt offered his jacket to Kristina before telling her another "Funny story." To her surprise, Kristina pulled the ring box out of the jacket pocket and Benedikt popped the question right then and there! The future Henkels look forward to having you join them in another one of their favorite, small Carolina towns as they take each other #toHaveandtoHenkel.