‘Remain Who You Are’: As Ken and Kaylee prepare to wed next year, Ken wanted to take a moment to show his appreciation for the love of his life

When you want something, you’re in control of taking it. But when you want someone – it’s a different game. You take your shot; you risk your heart and hope that they meet you halfway.

That’s exactly what happened with Ken Mott, who fell for Kaylee Basil the first time he saw her walk into a room. She was interviewing for a job at his workplace and he was mesmerized not only by her beauty, but by the effortless command she had over the space – all before he even knew her. And once he did get to know her, passing through the halls at work, he quickly realized his instincts had been spot on. Still, she kept him on the sidelines… at least for a little while.

“A big thing I’ve learned from her is patience,” Ken said. “When she was first hired, I immediately saw something there. From that moment until the time we started dating was about three years of hard work and determination. I didn’t get it when I wanted it, but in the end, it all worked out exactly how it was supposed to.”

Ken will tell you he’d do it all over again without hesitation, because Kaylee was more than worth the wait. She strives for greatness, sets ambitious goals, and chases success wholeheartedly. From time to time, she may get a little carried away when something captures her interest, but to Ken, it’s one of the things he loves most. She’s never afraid to dive headfirst into something new – just as she did when the two of them finally collided.

Kudos to her, too, for being strong-willed, hardworking, and unwaveringly family first. Her grandparents are her pride and joy, and her parents, siblings and dogs adore her just the same. They love not only her reach for the star’s drive, but the joy she brings to everyone around her.

Kaylee is vibrant and bubbly, living life with a smile and that nervous, giggly laugh Ken can never get enough of. The way she walks into a room and turns toward him with a grin gets him every time. Her positivity and her zest for life are infectious.

“EVERYTHING. I am not me without her; I am not complete without her,” Ken said when asked what Kaylee means to him. “I fear that if I lost her, I’d lose myself and everything in between. She’s the glue to my life, and I seriously don’t know where I’d be without her.”

Kaylee brings out the best in Ken. She has taught him patience, kindness, determination and love. The work ethic instilled in her by her father is something he deeply admires, and while he may sometimes wish she’d dial it back just a little, he knows her intentions are always good and her hard work is always appreciated.

And Kaylee’s character doesn’t stop there. There’s so much more to unpack; from her meticulous wedding planning to her unstoppable “never quit” mentality.

“Her beauty. The way she carries herself. And definitely her personality,” Ken said when asked what first stood out. “She is kind. She’s the complete opposite of me. I’m outgoing and say what’s on my mind. She’s kind of shy, but fierce. She holds herself with kindness.”

When Ken looks at Kaylee, he sees his future and that’s exactly why he proposed when he did. The moment instantly became his favorite memory with his soon-to-be wife.

Looking ahead, he’s excited for everything they’ll build together: eventually buying a home (even if the New York market makes it tough), splitting holidays between their families, and taking a week-and-a-half honeymoon in Hawaii. The American Dream is their shared goal, complete with hopes of starting a family.

“We don’t have kids yet, but her entire demeanor would make her so fit to be a mom,” Ken said. “She has natural motherly instincts, so when that day comes, I feel like it’ll be an easy transition for her.”

Anything Kaylee puts her mind to, she succeeds at. She lives life the right way, treats people well, works hard, and is exactly the kind of person you want in your inner circle. Ken knows it. Their families and friends know it. And he could not be more grateful for her.

“Be present in the moment. Don’t look too far ahead or back at bad memories. Don’t get worked up too easily. Always stay true to yourself. And don’t be so hard on yourself.” – Ken