In the Fall of 2016, two 18-year-olds that just began adulthood enrolled in their freshman year at Newberry College. Introduced by a mutual friend, Kendall and Dylan clicked instantly. After a few months of good times, Kendall moved a few states away. A couple of voicemails and calls and a handful of texts were exchanged over the next 5 years. “A good friend from freshman year” was about as detailed as their descriptions of each other would get. They got to see each other a couple of times for weddings and graduations, but both were silently sad that the distance had separated them. During this time, Dylan continued to grow his friendship with Kendall’s brother, Brooks, in their fraternity. Flash forward to fall, 2022: Kendall moved back to Newberry. Home, at last!

On August 31st, 2022, Kendall was walking her dog, Ares, in downtown Newberry. Through the window of The Newberry Observer, she caught Dylan’s eye. He promptly hung up the phone call he was on, ran outside, and yelled “KEN!” After an excited “oh my gosh” and the warmth of a familiar hug, they caught up for a few minutes before Dylan returned to work and Kendall returned to her walk.... both very happy about what had just happened. After about a month of seeing each other here and there, they started spending time together sporadically – from Dylan taking Kendall to lunch on her birthday, to running into each other at Walmart and spending the next few hours at Goodwill and Popeyes, to staying by each other’s side at a mutual friends’ wedding. This sparked speculation from both of their families. In fact, in early October, Kendall’s dad said to her “that boy is going to fall in love with you,” to which she responded, “oh, come on…. No, he won’t!”

On October 22nd, 2022, Kendall mustered up the courage to ask Dylan what his feelings were towards the current situation. They finally confessed their feelings for each other and continued to spend more and more time together. On November 11th, they called it official and thus began the most exciting, happy, loving relationship that either of them has experienced. About 15 months later, on February 25th, 2024, Dylan popped the question!

They are beyond happy to announce and begin this new chapter of life together. Although this nearly guarantees children with red hair, they are so excited to see what the future holds!