At a softball tournament on August 10th, 2019 through Karl’s work, some additional people were needed to fill out the roster. Stephanie, even though she initially didn’t want to go that day, was asked by a couple friends to help. Over the course of the day, Karl and Stephanie started talking and getting to know each other enough that Stephanie invited Karl to an end of summer house party later that evening. Stephanie and Karl had met multiple times over a year prior to this day; at a housewarming party thrown by a mutual friend, watching the world cup finals in 2018, and another party at the end of a season for social sports, but even in those encounters, the timing wasn’t right, and initially they even didn’t remember the other was there. At the end of the summer party, Stephanie and Karl shared a few drinks, and listened to music until the early morning hours on the roof deck at her house. At the end of the night when he went to leave, Stephanie asked Karl to make sure he messaged her to let her know he arrived home safely, and he asked her for her number. The next day he formally asked her out on a date, and on August 14, 2019 they went out to lunch (and then later again that evening for drinks) and the rest is history.

Throughout Karl and Stephanie’s relationship, they have enjoyed visiting various wineries in the Maryland and Virginia area and tasting different wines. Karl and Stephanie have visited wineries with friends, for birthdays, and for anniversaries throughout their relationship. It was only fitting that a winery played a role in their proposal. After hiking in the morning in the Shenandoah Valley with two friends Ryan and Kristen, they headed to a winery called Brix and Column. After having some wine and snacks, Karl suggested that everyone should take pictures with the Shenandoah mountains in the background. After taking pictures of Ryan and Kristen, Karl and Stephanie then got their pictures taken. During the pictures Karl said to Stephanie, “Are we okay?” Stephanie said, “Of course we are.” Karl then said, “What if I want to be more than okay?” He stepped back and dropped down on one knee. Little did Stephanie know that Karl had planned the whole day for months ahead of time, including working with the winery and the friends in order to surprise her. Karl then proceeded to break the ring box as he tried taking it out of his pocket. Karl and Stephanie were so happy their friends were there to capture the special moment. It’s a day Karl and Stephanie will never forget!