We’re getting married!

Chad grew up in the small town of Inwood, West Virginia. Growing up he would build computers with his mother and she would teach him all about technology. His dad would take him fishing in the Shenandoah and camping in the woods. He decided to stay in West Virginia and study his long fostered passion for computers at Shepherd University. He graduated with a degree in computer science which led to both an internship and job for the government. He bought a home in Martinsburg which he enjoyed with his only roommate, his cat Feather, until Kayla and her dog Bella joined them. In his free time he stills enjoys fishing as well as reading, video games, and gardening.

Kayla grew up in Myersville, Maryland. She enjoyed competing in national tae kwon do tournaments, a hobby she shared with her sisters. Some of her fondest memories include traveling with her grandparents, going to Disney World with her entire family, and spending time together every holiday. Growing up she watched many movies, but one movie stuck out in particular…Legally Blonde. After watching this movie she knew she had to be a lawyer and enrolled at University of Maryland - College Park. She graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Degree, but then discovered patent law was dry and boring so she decided against going to law school. Instead she started her career working in DC doing IT Project Management as a contractor and later joined the Feds. With her new job as an opportunity she bought a townhouse in West Virginia for her and her golden retriever Bella. It was here at her new job and home that she had the opportunity to meet Chad and get to know him. In her spare time, Kayla likes to watch documentaries, practice yoga/strength train, spend time with her family and photograph people.

Chad and Kayla first met in 2018 when she joined his team at work as his new project manager. She knew she was getting a new career, but she didn't know she was gaining a new lifelong friend. Over the next year they grew close as they each found someone to have friendly debates and thought-provoking conversations with. They enjoyed walks in the courtyard which grew into hikes at local parks with Kayla's golden retriever, Bella. Chad discovered Kayla's fondness for Disney as they went to see the live-action Lion King. Kayla discovered Chad's fondness for super heroes when they saw Spider Man. After a year of a long blossoming friendship, they met up for Halloween. What's a better way of getting close than cuddling up during a scary movie? After handing out candy to the neighborhood kids, Chad had one last treat for the night. As Kayla got ready to head home they shared their first kiss. This sweet surprise turned out to be the best treat they could get as they now prepare to spend their lives together. They look forward to many more Halloweens together watching horror movies, handing out candy, and maybe sharing a few more kisses.

Chad told Kayla to keep Friday free because he had a date day planned but wouldn’t tell Kayla the itinerary. That morning he told her they were going on a hike first. So they set off for Cunningham Falls in Cunningham State Park, where one of the first dates/times they hung out had been. They hiked to the falls and back with the several inches of snow & ice that still covered the trail. Then, after they got back to the car & changed for lunch, Chad started driving and pulled off at an overlook of the frozen lake. He told Kayla to not look back as he got out of the car. He pulled out everything he had packed/hid while she was asleep the night before, laid down the back seats of his Subaru, and laid out a picnic blanket and picnic spread. He put out some spring flowers, wine, fruit, cheese & bread and lit two candles. He then opened her car door and told her to step out. She stepped into the back of the Subaru and sat on the picnic blanket amazed at the thought & creativity Chad put in for this date. She started to wonder if he was going to propose. They sat there in the warmth of the subaru overlooking the frozen lake and enjoyed their picnic. As they finished and started packing up the food/wine, Kayla dismissed the idea that he might propose (it was certainly much earlier than he said he would) and began thanking him for such a wonderful date and leaned forward to kiss him. While they kissed, he brought out the ring and asked her to marry him! They were so happy and excited taking pictures of the ring in the back of the car, they didnt realize a police truck pulled up. When they noticed, they also realized the car windows had fogged up a bit, so Kayla opened the door and stepped out to take some ring shots with the frozen lake/snow as the background. With that, the officer decided to leave! They drove home to rest/soak it in before heading back out for an amazing celebratory dinner at Brix 27 in downtown Martinsburg. It had been the perfect day.