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Candice and Brad, both 31, met at UNC Charlotte as freshman in 1999. The two kept running into each other around campus and Greek life events, and their friendship eventually turned into romance. The couple married Aug. 13, 2005, and they live in Cleveland, N.C. Candice tells their story.
Going Greek: Brad and I met living in the same dorm; he stayed on the floor directly beneath mine. He was also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity – I was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha – so we saw each other at a lot of events. I enjoyed Brad’s sense of humor and his ability to talk to anyone, of any age, about pretty much anything. I think he appreciated that I was quiet and good at listening.
Getting together: Brad was always a gentleman and a good ol’ Southern boy. We lost track of each other for a while but finally started dating in 2003, after seeing each other out with mutual friends. We both knew that the other might be “The One,” especially since we had the same values and life goals, even down to when we wanted to start a family.
Holiday engagement: When Brad proposed in December 2004, he had wanted to pop the question in the dorm on UNCC’s campus where we first met. But since it was the holidays, the dorms were closed and he couldn’t find anyone to let him in. He ended up proposing in his apartment the night before I left to go see my family in Kings Mountain. They were beyond excited for me to arrive, as Brad had previously called to ask permission and knew I’d have big news to celebrate.
Still social: Now, our daughter Olivia is almost 4. We’ve got a lot of friends still in Charlotte, so we come back often for Bobcats, Panthers and 49ers games.
Hilary Trenda
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