We met in 2020 during the peak of covid-19 pandemic at Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Karlie's POV:

Having been sent home due to covid during my freshman year of college, I started looking for a part-time job. I applied to Fresh Thyme since grocery stores were about the most secure job to have during the pandemic. Had the pandemic never happened, I would have probably just pursued my previous job as a banquet server (yikes). When I applied, I had the intention of just working behind the scenes stocking shelves or cleaning. The thought of being a cashier gave me anxiety, but of course that's where they put me.

After my first day I wanted to quit. But, I decided to give it a few more days and see if it would grow on me, and it did. Next thing I know, I meet this cute blonde guy coming through my line on his lunch break. He had a hat and a mask on but I could still tell that he was good looking. He had some sushi. I told him he picked a good day to get sushi because it's discounted every Thursday. He did not seem very impressed, so I almost regretted saying anything at all and decided I just wouldn't say much if I ended up having another interaction with him.

Well, I ended up having many interactions with him. He was ALWAYS coming through my check-out line. One day I'm at the end of one of my shifts and he comes through my line with his friend. I didn't even recognize him without the bright blue Fresh Thyme T-shirt and jeans uniform we had to wear. Also, no hat, his hair was done, and he had glasses on. I didn't realize it was him until he gave me his employee discount card. Then he asked if I had an Instagram or Snapchat. In my head I'm like duh.. But I told him yes. He had no response. I prompted him and asked if he wanted one.

We messaged back and forth for only a few days until he started trying to invite me over. I kept making excuses because I didn't know anything about him except for the fact that he liked sushi. I eventually ran out of excuses and agreed to hang out with him. I almost backed out the day of, scared of going to a random guy's house shared with 3 male roommates. My friends pushed me to share my location and give it a shot. Easily convinced I did and now, here we are, happily ever after.

Solo's POV:

During the beginning of the pandemic, I had to find a new job. I was having trouble finding work quickly, but thankfully I came across an opening at Fresh Thyme in Avon. I remember walking in and seeing a girl with pretty blonde hair. From what I could tell with a mask on, she had a cute face too.

During the first week, I would purposely buy things and go through her line just to get a chance to talk to her. After some small talk, I wanted to ask for her number, but it felt weird doing that while I was working. So, I decided to go in after work with a buddy for support and ask her for her number. In reality, I actually asked, "Do you have Instagram or Snapchat?" and she replied, "Yeah..." (silence) "...do you want one of them?" As you can see, I have a way with wowing women!

I wanted to hang out with her as soon as possible because I preferred getting to know her in person rather than over the phone. Within a couple of weeks, we ended up hanging out, and it went well. But she was the one who kissed me since I was too nervous to do it after the first date. After a few more dates, I mustered up the courage to ask her to be my girlfriend, and I'm so glad I did. I can't believe I had the guts to ask out the cute cashier!

First official date was at Ice Cream Paradise (ICP) in Lebanon. Despite Solo being lactose-intolerant

Karlie's POV:

Again, he came through my line. He told me he wanted to ask me something but was going to wait until I had a moment away from customers. So he stood by me near the register to wait for the crowd to die down. Well there was a HUGE rush and the people just kept multiplying. He stood there for almost 5 mins I think HAHA. He finally just said "alright I was just gonna ask if you wanted to get ice cream after you get off."

When we got there, he wanted me to get their signature item which was a slushie mixed with ice cream and I said ew no, I'm getting a cookie dough blizzard. We sat in his car to eat and talk. I remember it being surprisingly easy to talk with him.

Solo's POV:

I wanted to take Karlie out on a real date, so ICP in Lebanon seemed like a solid choice. Actually asking her was the more difficult part. Since we weren't dating yet, I was still a little nervous to ask her on a REAL date. I wanted to ask in person once I got off work, but her line at the register was packed—Miss Popular, am I right? In my head, it was supposed to be cute and smooth, but my track record for being awkward stood corrected. All in all, it was a good first date, but that was also the last time I got ice cream at ICP...

The Delicate Arch, Arches National Park - Moab, Utah

We had always wanted to plan a trip out west together. We decided that going after I graduated and before I started my full-time job. We decided on a road trip and tent camping. We stopped in Kansas to rest, then stayed in Utah and Colorado for the majority of the trip.

Karlie's POV:

Our second day in Utah we went white water rafting. Our tour guide mentioned free-entry to Arches National Park after 5/6pm. Although we had planned on going the next day (entry pass & everything) we thought it'd be nice to go that evening so we could hike up to the Delicate Arch without the sun beating down on us. Plus, with the right timing, we could watch the sun set from the top. So we did, and as we are hiking up to the top Solo was bookin' it! I was like slow down!?!? (This is like a 500 ft up-hill climb and I'm dying lol)

We make it to the top - BEAUTIFUL. There were so many people up there sitting and waiting for the sunset. Solo set up his camera to film us "walking up to the arch". I of course just thought it was for a cute video montage moment. Little did I know he was about to propose. We made it under the Arch and posed for a picture. I go to walk back and Solo stops me and tells me his shoe is untied. Still oblivious, I was so mad he was up there scaling a cliff with untied shoes. He's down on one knee and pulls out this little blue box. STILL oblivious I thought it was a Bluetooth speaker- until he opens it and flashes me my disco ball diamond ring.

The first words to come out of his mouth.. "I'm sorry", referring to the crowd of people watching. I always said I didn't want a public engagement. But in this moment it didn't matter. However, I'm still waiting for him to say the words "will you marry me". Just like the day he asked for my Snapchat, I had to prompt him.

As we are walking back people were stopping us to congratulate and send us pics/ vids. Very wholesome. When we got back to the car, he has me watch a video he complied of my friends and family congratulating us. Of course we celebrated by having dinner at a local Mexican restaurant with some top tier margaritas.

Solo's POV:

About two weeks before our road trip, I shared the idea of proposing to Karlie during our vacation with my dad. The thought of proposing had been on my mind for over a year, but figuring out the perfect way to do it was a puzzle. Gradually, ideas started flowing in, and a few days later, I purchased the ring. But then, fate stepped in, and a couple of days after that, I came across another ring that just felt more right. So, I managed to discreetly order the new ring online while sitting right next to Karlie on our way to Nashville.

Wanting to add an extra layer of surprise, I decided on a last-minute whim to put together a video. I wanted to collect messages from her close friends and family, filled with heartfelt congratulations and responses to some meaningful questions. Wayne, one of my best friends, managed to edit the final 30-minute video in just three days! As we continued our journey to Utah, I struggled to keep my excitement contained.

Holding onto this surprise was tough, but I knew that the moment I revealed it would make all the stress and hiding worthwhile. When I found out we might have a chance to visit the arch earlier than expected, I jumped on it. I wanted to share this surprise with Karlie against the backdrop of the arch. So, there we were, rushing to the arch, and in my head, I was planning how to ask the big question or set up the camera for the perfect shot. Little did I know that we'd end up with over thirty pairs of eyes watching.

Sure, I was nervous, but I was determined to put those nerves aside. Not everyone gets to say they proposed under the delicate arch. As our turn came to step under the arch, my mind was racing with thoughts like, "Karlie might not be thrilled about being proposed to in front of all these people". As we finished our pictures I resorted to the classic "Oops, my shoelace is untied!" trick. It was my way of making sure Karlie wouldn't walk away before I could pop the question. On one knee, ring in hand, I was practically beaming, barely able to contain my happiness and excitement.

Karlie playfully asked, "So, are you going to ask me?" And ask, I did—with a heart full of love and anticipation. Looking back, this was a mix of stress and sheer happiness, a unique moment that will forever be etched in my memory.

One of our top favorite things to do together is grabbing Mexican food paired with a stiff margarita. Splitting some loaded nachos, with dairy on the side, of course, always hits the spot. *Hints to the Taco Bar buffet to be served during the reception*