A Forever Kind of Thing

Our story began in the cold chaos of Wintergreen Resort — the kind of place where snow gets into your boots, radios crackle nonstop, and tubing lanes need constant shoveling. Nic had just arrived from South Africa on a three-month Work and Travel visa, ready for an adventure. Sydney had been at the resort for years, grounded, reliable, and — on paper — very much his boss. That season, the tubing department was a whirlwind, which meant Sydney spent more time than usual down at The Plunge helping the crew. Every time she ended up there, she found herself working alongside Nic — the chatty tubing attendant with the cool accent who could make even shoveling snow feel entertaining. While flipping mats and sending guests flying down the hill, conversations just… flowed. Not in a “they’re going to fall in love” way — more in a “wow, this person is genuinely easy to talk to” way. Nic’s first thought was simple: his boss was cute, and he liked her glasses — but obviously nothing would come of that. Sydney, meanwhile, saw him as she saw all her staff: fun, hardworking, temporary. After all, in March he would be going back home to South Africa, just like everyone else. So the season ended, and life moved on. Nic flew home. Sydney wrapped up another winter. And for a moment, it seemed like that was the end of the story. But life had other plans. Six months later, Nic walked back into Wintergreen for an 18-month internship, and suddenly the familiar looked a little different. Conversations felt easier. Excuses to hang out came more naturally — rides to the gym, quick lunches in the lift office, Liberty hockey games, and joining Sydney’s family for Thanksgiving and the annual turkey trot. A few movie nights over the holidays brought them even closer, and somewhere between shared meals, long drives, and evenings neither of them wanted to end, the shift happened — slow, natural, and undeniable. What started as a boss and a seasonal worker simply surviving a chaotic ski season became the beginning of something neither Sydney or Nic saw coming… but both were endlessly grateful for.

Sydney and Nic’s first official date was on January 8th at a cozy Korean BBQ in Charlottesville. What had begun as a playful bet soon became something much more meaningful. By the time their schedules finally slowed down after the holidays, they were able to spend intentional, uninterrupted time together — just the two of them. Nic, ever the romantic, made the following weeks unforgettable. On January 24th, Sydney came home from work late to find a table set with candles, flowers, and a homemade pasta primavera dinner. That night, Nic asked Sydney to be his girlfriend, and they wrapped up the night with a Midnight Mayhem hockey game, laughing and savoring the start of something so special.

After officially becoming a couple, Sydney and Nic’s relationship grew through simple, intentional moments and shared adventures. Even amid the busy ski season, they made time for each other — cooking dinners at Sydney’s condo, watching movies, running on the slopes, and spending time with friends. Nic’s thoughtful gestures, like surprise flowers, Diet Dr Pepper deliveries, and handwritten letters, made ordinary days feel special and memorable. The summer brought new challenges, as Sydney worked at camp and Nic continued at Wintergreen. Even with busy schedules, they found ways to be together: Nic would drive to volunteer at camp on his days off, and Sydney would make the drive to see him on weekends. Every road trip, spontaneous adventure, or quiet evening together became a chance to grow closer. Through it all, they supported each other through both the fun and the difficult times. They grew to admire each other’s resilience, kindness, and unwavering support, building a foundation that was as much about partnership as it was about love.

In true South African style, Nic planned a proposal that was as unique as the country itself. The trip marked Sydney’s first time meeting Nic’s family and friends, and his first time home since starting his internship. Halfway through the visit, Nic arranged a special excursion for the two of them and his family to visit the Cheetah Outreach and get up close with the cheetahs. What was meant to be a fun, adventurous visit quickly turned into a moment they would remember forever. After a couple quick rules, the staff told them they could go up to the cheetah two at a time and Nic and Sydney were chosen to go first. As they rounded the back of one of the cheetah, Sydney noticed a ribbon tied around the cheetah’s neck… and there, attached, was the ring. Sydney was freaking out. Nic, equally nervous, forgot everything he had planned to say, but the one thing that mattered came out perfectly...“Sydney, will you marry me?” Of course, she said yes.