Sometimes the smallest moment can change everything — a single choice that quietly sets the course for a life you never knew you were missing. In December of 2019, Kyle made one of those choices. He took a shot in the dark and sent a random girl named Vallen a message. Within minutes of talking, something just clicked. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and in their hearts they both knew this wasn’t temporary. They would be talking like this for the rest of their lives. Their first official date began at Vallen’s friend Hanna’s house and ended at an Irish pub, but it was what happened in between that sealed the deal. As they waited for their ride in the cold night air, Kyle pulled Vallen into his jacket to keep her warm and they shared their first kiss. Less than two months later, on February 10th, 2020, Kyle met Vallen’s parents for the first time over homemade chicken roll-ups. It felt less like an introduction and more like he had always belonged there. As snow began to fall outside, Vallen walked him to the door. Standing there, with winter in the air Kyle asked her to be his girlfriend. Kyle popped the question on September 20th in downtown Alexandria, on Vallen’s 28th birthday. They ran up the street where all of their friends and family were waiting to celebrate what they thought was Vallen’s surprise birthday party. It was the perfect day, with perfect weather and the perfect company. Five years later after several moves, career changes, a few tears, countless laughs, and more happy memories than they can count, they are planning their wedding.