Phew, the way I had to scroll back to find one of our first photos together, and to think our story goes back even further. We met in Kyle’s senior year of college and Kylee’s junior year at the University of Toledo. Bridesmaid Jordan Trauth (formerly Penkava) was taking Kylee to a party at Kyle’s college house. On the way she said, “I just can’t wait for you to meet Kyle Smollen, you’re just going to love him.” Of course I was like ok ya right Jordan we’ll see. At the party Kylee was talking tunes with the coolest guy in a cheesy wolf t-shirt. When she asked for his name and he said “Kyle”. Of course, it felt like fate had dealt its hand. But life happens and timing isn’t always right. Kyle moved to Colorado to be a ski instructor and Kylee continued finishing school. After the ski season, Kyle got an opportunity to do his master’s program back at the University of Toledo and fate dealt its hand a second time. 


Well Jordan was right and it didn’t take long for us to be spending just about every day together. In the early days Kyle’s apartment had absolutely nothing in it so we would lay on an air mattress and listen to records and Kyle played the guitar. It felt like everything had found its place. We couldn’t see how it could get any better. Kyle was teaching Kylee to be WAY COOLER lol he was teaching me to ski, to golf, we were going to live music constantly and having the time of our lives. Then, COVID happened and after only a year of dating we decided to move in to that 550 sq ft apartment together. And I gotta say, if you can be quarantined in that small of a space together and still come out of it wishing you had more time together, you probably have something good.

Soon after, we extended our family and got our cat, Lasagna, Kyle graduated from his masters, and we moved to Colorado. After moving here we’ve been on many adventures together. Every time we think it can’t get any better it always finds a way. And, on the Fourth of July, 2024 (patriots, I know) Kyle proposed in New York City. Talk about things getting better. We’ve built a life of love, fun, support, and adventure, and we so look forward to seeing how it can (somehow) get even better from here. We thank you all for all of the memories, love and support we’ve been able to share with you and can’t wait to celebrate our love with you in Winter Park this August!