Living within the same community our paths crossed multiple times throughout the decades. A chance encounter in the dairy section of a local grocery store. It started with a small conversation about living through covid. The conversation continued with a message on social media. We met for hot cocoa and a walk in the snow, followed by car karaoke. I impressed him with my musical knowledge and after many long phone conversation we knew it was something special

The proposal: It was Valentine's day 2023, Ken made dinner arrangements after work. We enjoyed a four course meal at a local restaurant downtown, Charlottesville. Conversation throughout dinner flowed naturally and according to Ken "The night was right & the mood was right." Juanika had no idea what Ken really had planned after paying the tab. Ken started professing his love for Juanika and thoughts of forever together. Ken pulled out a little black box after asking "Will you marry me?" Juanika was in complete shock and denial of what was taking place. Ken looked into her eyes, opened the box and waited patiently for an answer. Juanika, asked over & over if this was real before finally answering yes. We are truly excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives together. We wish we could invite everyone to our destination event but that's just isn't possible. We look forward to celebrating with everyone upon our return. Please stay turned for our Cville reception, celebration.