Michael and Kayla met initially in 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska during their preparation for the United States Marine Corps while in high school. It wasn’t until nearly five years later that they reconnected when Kayla moved to Beaufort, South Carolina in 2018 where Michael happened to be stationed. As fate would have it, the two Midwesterners hit it off and immediately knew divine intervention played a role in their paths crossing yet again. Their quirky senses of humor and quick wit matched and they helped one another grow as individuals and as a couple. Their friendship soon blossomed into love, and the two knew through the trials and triumphs they had endured that this was something worth cherishing and making last. Visits home with talks amongst Michael’s and Kayla’s families, and weekends with their friends in Beaufort only reassured the two that they wanted to be together for as long as they both shall live. On November 13, 2020 just two days following their two year dating anniversary (yes, ironically, the Marine Corps birthday) the two love birds headed up to Asheville, North Carolina for an anniversary hike and camping trip on the Appalachian Trail. When they reached their campsite for the night, Michael suggested the two capture the sunset behind them. Exhausted from the hike, Kayla was completely caught off guard when she turned to her left and found Michael down on one knee, ring in hand, asking, “Will you marry me?”. Tears, followed by “YES”, and many hugs and kisses, the start of their new chapter began. They enjoyed the evening enclosed by the wilderness and mountain views as a newly engaged couple.