Kaitlin and Christian met online in early 2020, not long after both moved back home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kaitlin returned from Lynchburg, Virginia, and Christian from Rochester, New York, where they had attended college. With everything shut down, their first date was a simple walk. Afterward, they each went home—Kaitlin had work to finish for her undergrad, and Christian had homework for his master’s program. But they met up again that same night at a small hangout at Rachael’s house, Kaitlin’s Maid of Honor. Altogether, their first date lasted around six hours.

They realized they had grown up just 40 minutes apart in Southern Maryland and had spent their childhoods doing many of the same things: boating, fishing, crabbing, water sports, snowboarding, and camping. As they spent more time together, they also picked up new hobbies like mountain biking, dirt biking, and recreational aviation. They bonded over their shared love of the outdoors and adventure, and it didn’t take long before they knew they had found something really special.

A few years later, Christian planned a weekend getaway to Lovingston, Virginia, close to Lynchburg, where Kaitlin went to college and one of her favorite areas. Christian personally flew them both in his plane to Lynchburg, making the trip even more meaningful. He booked an Airbnb just steps from the Lovingston Winery and planned a day of visiting some of Kaitlin’s favorite spots. One of the highlights was a hike to Crabtree Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. But when they arrived, the parking lot and entire trail were completely covered in ice, making for a very slippery and unforgettable hike.

They stopped at a scenic overlook of the falls, and that’s when Christian started acting a little nervous. Before Kaitlin could fully process what was happening, he got down on one knee and pulled out a stunning green sapphire ring—exactly what Kaitlin had dreamed of. She had always wanted a ring that reminded her of evergreen forests and lush, thriving life—something peaceful and a grounded energy.

On the way back down the trail, Kaitlin couldn’t help but show everyone they passed her new ring. It was the perfect proposal for them: adventurous, memorable, and full of love.