We're getting married!

We met in 2017 while working together and didn't really think much about it at first. We both spent so much time at work that it formed a close friendship. We grew close - we went out to lunch and would drive around blasting country music and singing along to the radio, went for drinks after work with mutual friends and eventually dinners alone. Over time the strength of our connection turned into a loving relationship. I think there's something to be said for the strength of connection you have when you truly understand what your partner's work life is like. We actually loved working together because it made the day more enjoyable since you always had someone to speak to who understood all the work-related drama. We just "get" each other and can appreciate our busy lifestyles!

Due to social distancing during the Pandemic early in 2020, Kelly had convinced Pete to go on an overnight backpacking/camping trip with her in the Shenandoah Mountains. Since that first trip, they have since been on multiple camping trips and a multi-day trekking adventure in Dolly Sods, WV later that September. Leading up to the weekend in December, the weather was expected to be warm and absolutely beautiful. That Friday evening they talked about getting in one last potential hike of the season, before the weather started to really cool down. As Kelly was quick to pull up her trusted 'AllTrails' hiking app, Pete stops her and says, "why don't we go hike Tibbet's Knob Trail? Where we went on our first overnight backpacking trip together?" Kelly agreed and secretly tried her best to hold back the smiles (since she had a hunch he might be popping the question!). Saturday morning rolls around and they wake up early around 6:30am to get on the road. The trail head is about an hour and a half drive from the house and the plan was to do a sunrise hike up to the summit. WOW. That was the absolute longest car ride to get to the trail. Kelly had butterflies in her stomach the entire drive, while Pete kept going, "I don't remember this trail being this far away from home!". Tibbet’s Knob offers 180-degree views looking west into West Virginia and the small, quaint, farming valley of Trout Run. The view is densely forested with rocky cliffs on several of the surrounding mountain ridges that can provide idyllic views of fall colors interspersed with periodic small farms. It was a lovely morning hike up the mountain. Once we were at the top and had had some time to catch our breath, Kelly turned around to notice Pete down on one knee. Kelly said yes, (there were many happy tears) making it an absolutely perfect moment! They were even lucky enough to have a random hiker memorialize the moment with a beautiful picture as he passed by at the perfect time!