Candice had been debating a move back to her roots for a number of years and took a plunge at talking to an impartial party about the idea of moving back to the UK, via a dating app... as you do. Before she knew it she'd found what she thought was an American living in England... but would soon find out it was an Englishman who identified as a Welshman with an extreme love for America. That lucky man was indeed, Gareth! For the next 6 months, they text and facetimed everyday. Though Candice was hard to get hold of with working long days at both Charter Oak, the gym, and the 5 hour time difference! We always found the time to connect, even just for a quick 5 minute hello whilst she was grabbing a coffee (she drinks A LOT of coffee) or between jobs.
Candice made the decision to visit the UK for 3 weeks seeing family and friends to try and decide whether her wishes to move back to the UK were real or not. During this trip she made the trip 'up north' to visit Gareth in Sheffield for a few days. Gareth says, "I'll never forget her pulling up on the drive, stepping out... blonde hair, short denim shorts, checked (plaid) shirt and cowboy boots. My face must have been a picture as my jaw dropped, eyes popped and I went from seeing her as this girl I chatted to that lived in America (whom my friends all tried to convince me was a fat old man in Africa) to this woman I was going to fall in love with." Those few days together were incredible, exploring the Peak District, Bakewell, Rother Valley Country Park, dinner drinks and A LOT of chocolate.
Once Candice had gotten home, things were immediately different, we'd gone from two people who just got along as good friends to a full-blown, legit, "Facebook official" couple! Gareth immediately booked flights to the US for Candice's 30th in November where Gareth got to meet Candice's Mother, father and best friends all at once. Followed by most of her Uncles the following day. No pressure!
Shortly after Gareth's visit in November, Candice took the leap and purchased her one-way ticket to England! In February 2017 she would move in with Gareth to 'sunny' Sheffield and they formed a new life, together! Going through all the usual trials and tribulations that any young couple does, not to mention Candice adjusting to a complete restart, they just grew closer and stronger.
Gareth had asked Robert's permission in October 2018, when Candice and Gareth were in the States for a wedding. He did so over a pint at S&P Oyster House, strategically AFTER they had been clay-pigeon shooting. Upon approval, he reached out to Candice's good friend, Jess to get started on a bespoke engagement ring! In February, Gareth and Robert conspired to pair the parental visit to Sheffield with the ring delivery and engagement and surprise both Candice and her mother! After a couple of failed attempts, due to the ice-age of a snowstorm that hit Sheffield that week, Gareth found the perfect moment in Sheffield's Indoor Winter Gardens.