On May 22nd, 2014 - Kara and Paul had their first date at Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore. They met over drinks on the rooftop terrace and talked for almost 4 hours. They both knew there was a genuine connection between them; and as the evening ended, they agreed they wanted to meet up again sometime soon.
Before this meeting, they initially found each other on Match.com! Paul messaged Kara first on May 10th after reviewing her profile, with these exact words: "Hey! Couldn't help but notice we're kind of in the same industry, I do IT Consulting and definitely like it too. What kind of work do you do?"
Kara's first words in her initial response to Paul were:
"Yay IT!! . . ."
On their several dates following this first one, they quickly discovered they had a ton more in common than just their technology (IT) careers, more than either had expected. It was kind of weird, actually. And so their relationship continued to grow.. slowly but strongly.
The proposal...
On November 1st, 2016 - Kara and Paul became engaged, two and a half years after that very first date. On their first evening of vacation in St John US Virgin Islands, they were walking along the quiet empty beach at Caneel Bay. Paul dropped down to one knee in the sand, right next to where the water meets the shoreline and asked Kara to marry him.
She said Yes! and afterward they enjoyed a delicious, celebratory dinner at romantic ZoZo's restaurant while the sun set on the water. They spent the rest of the trip swimming in the clear blue waters, relaxing on the beach, or hiking the steep hills of the island. They were truly in paradise and ready to officially plan for their future together.
Photo: November 1, 2016 | Caneel Bay | St John, USVI
In addition to becoming engaged; during their relationship - they've also become best friends, roommates, homeowners, and parents to their two cats and puppy (Cissy, Luna, and Gus), who bring much joy and fun to their lives.
And they lived
happily ever after...
On May 5th, 2018 (Cinco de Tambo)- Kara and Paul will ecstatically say "I Do!" before dancing the night away with their dearest friends and family in St. Michaels, MD!
And they will then officially live.. hapPAULY ever KARAfter ..forever and ever.