Back in May 2021, Kelley made the decision to move from Ohio to South Carolina. Starting a new job and not knowing anyone in a new state was scary, but it was a new chapter and new start that was for the best. Kelley swiped right on Bryson’s profile and honestly thought he was a catfish. There was no way this profile was real! At the time, Bryson was working third shift so it was difficult for Kelley and Bryson to meet up at first. They finally were able to meet one night when Kelley needed some consoling after having put her fur baby, Coco, down to rest. This was not an easy task and Bryson was able to be there for her in her time of need. That following weekend, they planned their first date. They spent an hour walking down the riverfront talking and enjoying each others company. After spending time at the riverfront, they went to dinner at BJs Brewhouse. After many late night phone calls and spending what time they could together, Bryson and Kelley knew there was no one else they wanted to be with.

Kelley and Bryson made plans to celebrate their 2nd year anniversary. That evening, they planned to go out to dinner and spend as much time as they can together after work. Then spend the following day at the Riverbanks Zoo! Plans for dinner fell short slightly when Kelley wasn’t feeling very well and had a horrible headache that wouldn’t go away all day. After getting home, they rested from a long day of work in hopes to feel better for dinner. Resting did not work as planned, but they still managed to go out to dinner and order some appetizers. Sitting at dinner, Bryson tells Kelley that he got her some jewelry to match her necklace he had gifted her at Christmas 2 years ago. At this time, Kelley knew there would be 2 possible things he could give her for their anniversary…matching earrings or a RING! Kelley starts to panic as Bryson reaches into his pocket and she says “if you’re going to make me cry even more tonight, I don’t want that gift right now!” They continue their appetizers and box up half of them to take home, as Kelley still didn’t feel well. Marleigh was there to greet them when they got home, excited as always. As Kelley walks away to go lay down and get ready for bed, Bryson gets down on one knee right in the living room of their home and asks Kelley to marry him! Kelley’s first response was “you couldn’t have done this when we go to the zoo tomorrow?!” But then she said “yes of course I’ll marry you” while tears filled her eyes. Little did kelley know that Bryson had asked Kelley’s father for his blessing a few weeks ago on her parents anniversary! The following day, they spread the news to family and friends and went to spend the day together at the zoo, one of their favorite places to visit in Columbia.