This particular story begins with a charming, rugged, and semi-handsome young man who dares to flirt with an independent busybody, who seemingly didn't have time for love. (The same way every terrible Hallmark movie begins.)

That young man, and the author of this story, was well known for his adventure-seeking. Always looking for a thrill, he invited some friends to Wings and Waterfalls - an event created by Caleb that includes a night of eating wings and a night hike to Hooker Falls for an evening swim beneath the starry sky. As fate would have it, one of those friends invited a very beautiful young lady that had recently moved to Greenville, SC. This is when Caleb met Lauren for the first time. The group drove from Greenville, SC, to Hendersonville, NC, to enjoy the wing special at Caleb's favorite mountain pub. After their fill of wings, and as the sun began to set, they drove to DuPont Forest for a quiet and serene night hike to the falls. Once at the base of the falls, the entire group swam and floated in the cold mountain water as the lightning bugs really put on a show. Sound amazing? To everyone but Lauren, it was! An unknown (then) fact about Lauren was that she was deathly afraid of the dark. So, Caleb's well-planned display of fun and romance was Lauren's…nightmare (how fun).

As the evening came to an end, everyone but Lauren seemed to have enjoyed themselves. That didn't bother Caleb...he was hooked. He's chased Lauren ever since that night.

This love story spans twelve years. Caleb pursued Lauren from state to state, year after year, and job after job. And wouldn't you know it...many, MANY, years later, she said, "YES," at the very same waterfall where it all began (for him). Don’t worry, it was daytime when he proposed.

Travel

Hotel Bella Grace/Charleston Historic District