A mutual friend introduced Kathryn and Stefan during college, and they got to know each other as friends at Chapel Hill. Their friendship continued throughout graduate school, keeping in touch through spontaneous phone calls and shared friends. During the summer of 2019, Kathryn and Stefan reconnected at a pool party in Raleigh. They enjoyed catching up on life events since their time at UNC and started talking more frequently after this. Stefan visited Raleigh often, where Kathryn resided, to visit friends. Throughout these visits, they decided they wanted to give long-distance dating a try. They began their relationship in September 2019 and were faced with a huge milestone when the pandemic hit a few months later. It was during quarantine that Stefan and Kathryn spent lots of quality time together. Throughout this experience together, they knew this relationship was special. They decided to make Charlotte their home in 2021 and have enjoyed exploring their city ever since.