It all began in 2014 when two high schoolers met through mutual friends, unaware their story was just beginning.

In March 2022, while training for the Warrior Race, Tayla took a tumble but pushed through and finished the race – grazed hands, scraped knees and all. Teagen was left awestruck and utterly smitten. By April, coffee dates turned into something deeper, and in June, at the Vaal Dam’s golden sunset, Teagen asked Tayla to be his girlfriend.

A year of adventure led to September 2023, when Teagen planned a breathtaking proposal. On a road trip to the Jimny Gathering, they stopped at Protea Corner in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. With the Golden Gate Valley their backdrop, he dropped to one knee and popped the question. Through joyful tears, she said YES!

Now, as November 2025 nears, their love story approaches its next chapter: a wedding that will mark the beginning of the rest of their lives together. Surrounded by family and friends, they’ll vow to love each other through all of life’s races and sunsets, grazed knees and golden gates.