Enchanted Love
Skyla and Corey’s romance began on a summer night in their hometown in 2019. They first met each other for a date at a mutual favorite, On the Side. Their connection was strong from the start. Ordering something familiar to each, conversation substituted for calories; they didn’t eat a single bite. Upon being kindly told of the restaurant closing, the two quickly dashed off. Their date was so special as it set a bar, and became a foundation. So, so much love.
With both born and raised in a small town, Olean, NY — Corey and Skyla were able to expose an invisible thread that had, unbeknownst to them, connected their lives. Memories of Cider Mills as kids, or what businesses were which building now, going to the same local excursions - including, but not limited to, the Squirrel Statues throughout town. Constant nods of understanding, both always knew what the other was talking about. One place that Corey had not visited was Rock City Park - a local state park that truly exemplified the geography of their home; The Enchanted Mountains. Enchanted they were, and ironically enough, a wedding occurred there during the date. Skyla hopped around with beautiful Irish locks on the tops of what used to be ocean bedrock. The wedding vows were eavesdropped by the couple from below the main overlook. That spot, also, works as a great engagement proposal. Hills a glow from orange red light; ripples of green cascade the horizon at the edge of Appalachia.
Corey did not live in Olean at the time and Skyla was still attending college. However, something unexpected for the world happened in that Spring, and with Skyla’s studies now remote, she was able to visit Corey in Florida. One visit in April lasted the entire month. Quickly, routines developed, and the distance became less and less daunting. Of course, nearly monthly trips one way or the other did make hings easier. For nearly two years, the pair lived states away from each other, but that eventually changed.
When Skyla moved to Florida, love blossomed. A neighborhood nestled next door to a nature preserve sprung life year round. The pair would walk the perimeter of the pond, the paseo, or little walk, and they’d witness countless wildlife sights. Owls, turtles, gators, and birds, all before the warm Florida paradise sky. Skyla was particular about the bunnies hopping nearly every patch of grass. Hands clasped every chance they had.
Living together came easy. Skyla has always had ambitions in interior design, and curated a home that only ever felt bright, budding, and lovely. Spring is Skyla’s favorite season. Her favorite flower blooms in a gorgeous bulb each year; peonies. Those are paramount to the story of their engagement. Bright, beautiful, meaningful memories were made there in Florida. A slice of life in a constant state of warmth, joy, and peace. That brightness lives on in their home now in Frederick, Maryland.
Corey works in furniture, and Skyla is an aspiring interior designer. The pair spend their time enjoying the lively town. Exploring new places, like the national zoo! Creating a new place to call theirs. Baking, cooking, reading, and above all else living in the glory that is love. Thankfully for them, this new home also gave them a defining symbol of their love. The lovely team at InBloom Jewelry, Mary, Andie, Anne, and Stacey all gave the couple the ring that truly defined their love story. Embedded in delicate gold peonies, enveloped is a brilliant marquis stone only love could have etched. Corey proposed atop the overlook the pair had listened to vows under those years ago. September 20th, 2025, Skyla and Corey were engaged. Love’s garden always blooms when tended to deliberately, patiently, and kindly. Theirs is beginning.
— With Love, C&S
