Some love stories feel like they were written long before the couple even realized it—and ours just might be one of them.

We both grew up in Warrenton, Virginia, where life has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected (and perfectly timed) ways. When our families moved to town, we ended up going to the same school, the same church, and eventually the same middle school youth group. It was there that we became best friends—sharing inside jokes, youth retreats, and, yes, those early butterflies of a childhood crush.

But like many young love stories, life took us in different directions. We went to separate high schools, then different colleges, and slowly drifted out of touch. Still, that special connection never fully faded—it was just waiting for the right moment to come back.

Fast forward sixteen years.

One ordinary day, our paths crossed again. We hadnt seen each other in so long, but it felt like no time had passed. I (Katelyn) invited Robert over for dinner to catch up, and that one evening turned into a string of conversations, laughs, and memories rediscovered.

We spent time just enjoying each other’s company, reconnecting as old friends… until one night at 2 Silos Brewery changed everything.

I decided we were definitely not just going to be friends anymore—and sealed it with a kiss. From that night on, something clicked. We started dating and quickly realized we had found something incredibly rare: a love that felt both brand new and deeply familiar.

On Christmas Eve, in the quiet magic of the season, Robert got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

Now here we are—ready to begin a new chapter together, surrounded by the people who’ve been a part of our journey all along.