DJ and Kristin met at XL Soccer World in Raleigh, North Carolina, where DJ coached mini-soccer for 3—to 5-year-olds and Kristin for 18-month-olds to 3-year-olds. DJ often glanced over at Kristin, sparking an unspoken connection. Kristin collected contact information under the guise of needing shift coverage and texted DJ. They spent hours talking, sharing their hopes and fears, and their affection for each other grew as their connection deepened.
DJ asked Kristin out on their first date to see Pixar's Finding Dory at the Graham Cinema in North Carolina. They walked around the town's courtyard, where Kristin did most of the talking. During the movie, DJ nervously put an arm around her chair, and Kristin responded by resting her head on his shoulder, signaling her interest. After the movie, DJ asked Kristin to be his girlfriend, marking the beginning of their loving relationship.