We’re engaged!

Karolyn’s version: We met online. Just kidding! It is a rather cute story, so let me start! Greta is the manager of a Starbucks just a mile up the road from the office that I work at in Norcross, Ga. My co-workers and I frequent this coffee shop after lunch. Those of you that need an afternoon pick me up to make it through the the rest of the day know what I’m talking about! This particularly sweet, pretty barista caught my eye and from then on I would always look for her when I walked in; the barista is Greta! I eventually worked up the nerve to ask her to have a drink or coffee and talk about leadership stories. We exchanged numbers and future plans ensued! Fast forward 18 months and now I get to plan a wedding to marry my favorite barista! Greta’s version: Karolyn and her coworkers are regulars at my store. I had THE hardest time remembering her name. I knew it was Karolyn, but I was so worried about spelling it wrong on her drink that I completely avoided using it. Finally, I got it down; Karolyn with a K. Fast forward a couple days and my district manager forwarded me an email that a customer had sent to corporate complimenting my store; it was signed Karolyn. I thought this HAD to be the same person. The next time she came in, I asked her if she had sent it and it was her! This is when we really started talking. One day she came in after lunch like usual, I rang her up, she went to the bar to get her drink, and that was that. Next thing I know she’s standing in front of me asking me if I’d like to meet up for coffee or a drink to talk about leadership. I was like yeah! What you have to understand is that at work my head goes all business and I had NO idea she was actually asking me out. My sister-in-law, Stef, was like uh this chick just asked you out. It took a lot of convincing before I finally got it through my head and I’m glad it did. This kind, beautiful woman is my favorite human being and I can’t imagine spending my life with anyone else.

This proposal would not of happened so perfectly if not for Jesse and Stef. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart, G and I love you both endlessly! It was Stef’s (Greta’s sister-in-law) b’day weekend and we were planning a car camping trip to one of her favorite spots. There was a 9 mile round trip hike and it featured a river with beautiful waterfall scenes. Stef, knew that there would be a perfect spot along the hike once we made it to the river and she was absolutely right! I somehow pulled off a 4ish mile hike with Greta’s wedding ring in my back pocket! It was a great weekend and she said yes! Karolyn