The Long Hello: A Love Story

Kayla and Mitchell first met during the holiday season of 2018 at a mutual friend's bonfire. It was a less-than-romantic first encounter, which Mitchell now recounts as his favorite story. He tried to compliment Kayla on her unique Tiffany-blue Timberland boots, and she, in typical fashion, responded with a perfectly clipped, "K, thanks." Unsurprisingly, their conversation ended there for the evening.

Following that initial brush-off, the two didn't cross paths again for over a year. Kayla was focused on finishing her final year at Radford, and Mitchell was embarking on new life journeys.

The Summer of the Second Chance (2020)

Fast forward to the summer of 2020. As COVID restrictions began to ease slightly, allowing for small gatherings, their mutual friend invited Kayla to a Sunday beach day. Desperate to escape the house and soak up some sun, Kayla immediately said yes. Upon arrival, she discovered Mitchell was part of the group. This second encounter was different: every time Mitchell was near, Kayla felt a distinct flutter of butterflies.

This small group soon made the beach day a Sunday ritual, allowing Kayla and Mitchell to genuinely get to know each other. They eventually exchanged contact information and began communicating more often, though it took time for them to fully articulate their feelings. (Kayla certainly made her attraction known, forcing Mitchell to briefly take a turn at the "K, thanks" game!)

Over the next year and a half, their connection deepened through texts, calls, and Snapchats. A major turning point came when Mitchell moved in with their mutual friend (Kayla's high school buddy), making their house the default weekend hang-out spot.

Finally, in June of 2021, Mitchell overcame his hesitancy and acknowledged the strong feelings he had for Kayla. (Kayla's internal monologue? "Thank the Lord, took you long enough!")

From that moment on, the two became inseparable best friends. Their journey quickly accelerated: planning their first trip as a couple, eventually moving in together, and supporting each other through changes in jobs, dreams, and life's general chaos.

Now, after all the years, all the texts, and one famous pair of Timberlands, it’s time for the next chapter of their story: Marriage.