Kenneth and Kyland met in a way that many would call the, "modern Hallmark romance." Both ready for love, but with small friendship circles, they decided to meet other singles online in hopes of finding their soulmate. After a few years of on and off swiping left, swiping right, texts, video chats and dates that never yielded THE ONE, both Kenneth and Kyland wondered if someone created just for them really existed. So close in proximity, living only 20 minutes away from one another, yet so far away in finding each other, they prayed, allowed God to make their "lists" of the ideal spouse and gave swiping another try. One destined day, Kenneth saw Kyland's bright smile and detailed dating profile, and decided to send a short, yet intentional message to her. When his message popped up on her phone, she was impressed with his friendly face, joyful smile, similar values, and "not beating around the bush," yet, respectful approach. After a Christ-centered and vulnerable text conversation, they decided to meet that week. Because of their busy schedules, it worked out that both could meet the next day! Kenneth planned the perfect dinner date at Sukiya, hibachi restaurant. This was Kyland's first evening dinner date instead of a coffee or lunch date (first sign that this was going to be different), and they enjoyed a delicious meal, a show, and the best conversation they'd had on a date! They realized that their backgrounds were extremely similar, both raised in the ministry, both sets of their parents had been married for 33 years, they enjoyed similar yet various styles of music and grew up as musicians, grew up in the same school district with similar experiences, and so much more. They'd laughed about niche topics and stories that they had never related with anyone else about. The chemistry and budding friendship began almost instantly. That evening, when Ken was "rewarded" with Kyland's phone number, he called her that evening just to tell her how beautiful he thought she was and how much he enjoyed his time. The feelings were mutual! Over time, Kenneth and Kyland went on numerous dates and continued to grow closer as friends, falling deeper in like and love with one another. Kenneth made his feelings and intentions for Kyland known early on and Kyland had to decide if she was ready to jump in completely. They decided to take a break to see how they felt about the relationship and knew immediately that they did not want to be without one another. They decided that they wanted to give what they felt growing in their hearts a fair shot and they rekindled their romance. During this talking stage, they witnessed God's favor and experienced "God-winks," galore! From compliments from strangers on their obvious love, unexpected free items and gifts on date nights, couples wishing them the best, and others being shocked when they found out that the couple hadn't been married for years, let alone had just started dating. God's approval and the fact that he brought them together was obvious! On December 22, 2023 (Ken's parents' wedding anniversary), Kenneth asked Kyland to become his girlfriend officially, stating that his goal by the end of the dating period was to marry her. For the next year, Kyland and Kenneth grew deeper in love, faced tough conversations and situations, were each others' greatest supporters and closest friends. They developed a relationship that felt like two puzzle pieces that had finally found their fit, and one soul, split into two that had finally been reconnected with itself. On September 29, 2024, Kenneth surprised Kyland at the Gadson's Family Fall Fest at her home. Under the guise of taking a group family photo, Kenneth knelt in front of the group with a black velvet box, ready to propose to the love of his life. In complete shock and through happy tears, Kyland joyfully said, "Yes!" They are excited to continue their God-orchestrated love story in April 2025 and create a lifetime of love together!