Hunter and Kennedy met through coaching, (funny enough) while Kennedy was completing an internship at Michigan Futbol Academy. The first time she saw Hunter coaching, she thought he was a cutie. Love at first sight might sound cheesy, but from that moment, she had a quiet feeling he would be her person.

Their first impressions were simple, they both thought the other was cute, but neither expected much to come of it. What stood out immediately, though, was who they were. Kennedy admired Hunter’s passion for coaching, the way he worked with kids, and how naturally they gravitated toward him. Hunter was drawn to Kennedy’s personality, her warmth, her energy, and her ability to light up any room she walked into.

Soccer has always been at the heart of their story. Hunter played at Michigan State, Kennedy played at Grand Valley, and both share a deep love for the game, competition, and the lessons it teaches. (And yes, there is always a competition happening between the two of them when it comes to sports or games.) Coaching became a shared passion as well, allowing them to pour into others, give back to the sport that shaped them, and do what they love side by side.

They started as friends, but it didn’t take long to realize there was something deeper there. They found they shared so much: a love for soccer, family, kindness, and most importantly—a sensitivity and care for others that matched perfectly. (And a very serious, near-daily love for Chipotle.)

They knew they had found their person in each other, not because of one big moment, but because of how naturally life felt together and how fiercely they loved one another and the people around them.

The proposal came as a complete shock to Kennedy (which is impressive, considering her detective-level instincts). With the help of family, and Kennedy’s sister posing the perfect cover as a “beach lighting scout” for a photoshoot.... Kennedy climbed a sand dune expecting one thing and found something entirely different. At the top, Hunter was waiting on one knee. She was truly shook. Huge thanks to Calihan, Ashley, Jamie, and Michelle for pulling off the surprise of a lifetime.

And from that moment on, it was always a yes.