There are many ways we could tell our story but the beginning would probably be the best!

Katie and I don't know exactly when were first met! The end.

We knew of each other because we had mutual friends in Baptist Campus Ministry (The organization we were both in during college, her at Marshall and I at WVU). We also counseled and a church camp together. It really became more obvious of a connection in the summer of 2023 while counseling at Camp Cowen. We had talked and learned more about each other that week at Cowen and I knew I had to ask Katie out on a date before the week ended. It was in the evening after campfire, there was some quiet so I could ask her. I made sure it was late in the week so in case she turned me down it wouldn't be awkward all week at camp. Good thing I had nothing to worry about because she said yes! I asked her if she was dating anybody and she quickly replied "what do you think?" as it was quite obvious she wasn't since we were flirting all week. So I asked her for pizza at Pies and Pints in Charleston as it was the closest thing to being between Morgantown and Barboursville. Funnily enough we both don't like pizza all that much! You can read about our first date in the next story!

I remember the time it took to drive to Charleston from Morgantown for our first date felt like an eternity! Little did I know the hours and miles we'd put on our cars throughout our relationship! We now know it was so worth it.

We met at a parking garage a block from Pies and Pints, a pizza place in Charleston. I got out to greet her and gave her some roses that I can only assume I got from Kroger. They have a great selection!

We headed to Pies and Pints and everything went smoothly! We ordered a pizza and I gave her my silverware since there was only one set, because I am such a gentleman. I probably ate the least amount of food that day then I've ever ate while being around her because I was quite nervous.

We then headed to a local ice cream shop and we took a walk in the hot sun because it was late July! After the spontaneous exercise we were looking for a park to sit down, there were a few parks that were pretty sketchy but we finally found one with swings and a jazz band playing. Neither of us are huge fans of jazz but it was relaxing as the sun started to go down.

As the sun set we headed back to the parking garage to drive an hour in opposite directions. I finally got a chance to hold her hand as we walked, I claimed that I didn't want her to get lost but in reality I just wanted to hold her hand. She looked so stunning as we parted and the sun finally sat on the first of our many dates.