During the first week of staff training at Carol Joy Holling Summer Camp, one of the first lessons we were taught was how to discourage a budding romance between campers.

"We typically see three types of 'friendships' develop here,” they explained. “There’s hay friends, hey friends, and heyyy friends. Hay friends are the horses that live in the barn that you'll get to ride and care for this week. Hey friends are your buddies you get to hang out and participate in activities with.” This was usually accompanied by the perpetually platonic fist bump or high-five.

“And then there’s heyyy friends,” the meaning of which was always indicated by a flirtatiously cocked eyebrow. “These are the ones that distract you from focusing on your activities and developing bonds with others — we ask that you refrain from these relationships during your week here with us.”

So, after a courtship consisting of various acts of service, a few dates, and many ~glances~, Maren and Kyle officially became heyyy friends on July 4, 2019.

The first person Kyle informed about the relationship was Jacque Goering — his brother, Aaron’s, girlfriend and also Associate Director of Programs at Carol Joy. This came as no shock to Jacque, who unbeknownst to us had been actively playing matchmaker behind the scenes. Turns out, she had been the one that was intentionally placing us in the same groups and assigning us to the same tables all throughout staff training, and we were none the wiser.

Because she knew there was something there before either of us had spoken a word to each other, we figured it would only be fitting that she fulfill the rest of her matchmaking duties and co-officiate our wedding with her now-husband, Aaron, who has also played a supportive role in the growth of our relationship.

“So that’s how we got together — what more is there to say?” – Maren