High School Beginnings

Brad and Kari first caught each other’s eye in the halls of Jenks High School. He was a senior, always with baseball on his mind, while Kari was a junior, often seen on the soccer field. Their encounters were fleeting—passing glances, brief hellos—but there was an undeniable spark. Their connection deepened at YoungLife events, where they exchanged playful banter, each secretly thinking about the idea of more than just friendship.

College Years and a Surprising Reunion

Two years flew by. Kari was now finishing her freshman year at Oklahoma State University, and Brad had completed his sophomore year at Oral Roberts University. Their paths seemed destined to diverge, but fate had other plans. Brad made a spontaneous trip to Stillwater for the Calf Fry concert with a few college teammates. When Brad arrived to his high school best friends house he ran into to Kari. She spotted him and immediately asked, “What are you doing here..?”. Her surprise quickly gave way to their familiar, flirtatious banter.

The night of the concert was unforgettable. That evening, Kari found herself riding in the trunk of a car with Brad on their way to the concert. They were inseparable from that moment on, much to the astonishment of their friends. That night marked the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship.

A Summer to Remember

Brad returned to Tulsa the next morning, but their conversations never ceased. Not long after, Brad was back in Stillwater, visiting Kari. Summer arrived, and Kari moved back to Tulsa, which marked the beginning of their most unforgettable summer together. Days were spent lounging at the Cedar Ridge pool, enjoying time with friends, and never leaving each other’s side.

Life Takes Its Course

Their romance flourished, and they dated for three years. After graduation, life took them in different directions. Kari moved to Europe for a year, and Brad relocated to Denver. Despite the distance, their hearts remained connected, and they never lost touch.

Reuniting and Rekindling Love

Five years later, Brad returned to Tulsa just as Kari was moving to Denver. Their timing always seemed to be just a bit off. Another year passed, and Brad visited friends in Vail for New Year’s Eve. He secretly planned a rendezvous with Kari, and their reunion was nothing short of perfect. It became clear that their love had never faded. Nine months later, Kari moved back to Tulsa to be with Brad.

The Proposal

Another nine months after moving in together, Brad planned an unforgettable proposal. Kari believed they were traveling to Vail for her birthday celebration. From the moment they were picked up from the airport with champagne awaiting them, Brad set the stage for a weekend she would never forget. Despite the clues, Kari remained blissfully unaware of the impending proposal.

The first night, they enjoyed a nice sushi dinner before retiring early. The next day, they explored Vail, with Brad anxiously checking his phone, coordinating with the photographer. Sensing Kari getting tired, Brad decided to move up the timeline. They walked through Vail Village, and as they reached the famous Vail covered Bridge, Brad got down on one knee and proposed. Kari was in shock, but her surprise continued to grow when she saw their friends from Denver, Will and Sydney Brewer, who Brad had arranged to capture the moment.

That night, they celebrated with a fabulous dinner at Flame steakhouse located at the Four Seasons, reveling in their engagement. Their journey, marked by distance and time, had come full circle, culminating in a promise of forever.

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