Clear Cut Couples: Kaila and Cameron
Kaila and Cameron met six years ago at Pigeon Lake, Alberta, and looking back, the idea of the “invisible string” feels so fitting for their story. They both grew up spending summers at their family cabins, only to discover years later that they were just a few cabins apart all along. During the summer of 2020, they spent every weekend meeting up at the lake and getting to know each other. What started as simple weekends sneaking around and getting together quickly grew into the relationship that would lead them here today.
Their official first date was simple, but it’s one they will never forget. They grabbed ice cream from a local ice cream truck and went for a walk together. Before Cameron dropped her off, they shared their first kiss, and they both left feeling so giddy and excited. Looking back, it’s one of their favourite memories because it perfectly captures how easy and natural everything felt from the very beginning.
The better story is the day that they started dating. Cameron knew Kaila played collegiate golf for the University of Alberta and invited her to play a round at his course. She was beyond nervous because she assumed he’d have high expectations, so she begged him not to let them get paired up with anyone else. When they arrived, they were matched with another younger couple, and Cameron asked if they could sneak ahead so that they could golf on their own. By the second hole they had caught up, so they invited them to join.
Then came the surprise. As Cameron introduced himself, he casually referred to Kaila as “his girlfriend”—which was definitely news to her! A few holes later, the woman they were golfing with asked how long they’d been dating. Kaila laughed and said, “I just found out when you found out on hole 2!” It was hilarious and such a special memory. They’ve been together since July 10, 2020!
They have shared countless incredible memories since then. When Cameron returned to the U.S. on Christmas Day in 2020, their long-distance relationship began. While Kaila completed her education degree, they counted down the days until every visit and made the most of their summers together during his off-season. After graduating in 2023, Kaila became a substitute teacher, which gave her the flexibility to visit him more often. Long distance has made them appreciate every moment that they got to spend together.
Because they’ve been long distance, some of their most meaningful memories come from the time they’ve had just the two of them. During the hockey season, Cameron is busy with his team and Kaila is often in school or working, while summers are spent with family and friends. That makes any uninterrupted time together especially special.
Some of their favourite memories are their long road trips together after the season—helping Cameron pack up and driving home to Edmonton. They’ve done the drive from Boston, Palm Springs, and Texas multiple times, and while 36-hour drives might not sound appealing to most people, they truly loved them. It was rare, uninterrupted time together with no distractions, and those trips became where they felt closest and grew the most.
That same feeling is what made their first trip to Mexico during his All-Star break in 2024 so special. In the middle of a busy season and a full off-season surrounded by family and friends, it gave them a rare pocket of time just for the two of them. They really cherish those moments to slow down and reconnect, and that trip played a big role in Cameron’s decision to propose in Mexico in 2026.
Cameron proposed on May 12, 2026 in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Cameron’s hockey season ended earlier than usual, which gave them the rare gift of a longer summer together. Instead of the usual quick turnaround between seasons, they got to take a trip to Mexico, just the two of them.
On the second day, Cameron surprised her with a professional photoshoot because she loves taking photos on her phone. She was honestly stressed the entire time because she was so convinced that he was going to propose that she could barely function. She had multiple dresses to choose from and he told her the white one looked best. She hated every second of this photoshoot because she was sweating, nervous, and overthinking everything.
When the photos wrapped up at the start of the dock and the photographer left, she was very confused and also slightly relieved. But then Cameron walked her down to the end of the dock where there were two glasses of champagne and their favourite music playing on a speaker. At that point she blacked out a bit emotionally. She doesn't really remember everything he said because she was crying—but she does remember him getting down on one knee and proposing with the most beautiful ring she had ever seen.
Kaila said, “I can read Cameron like a book and it wasn’t that surprising that he was going to propose that trip. However, what was surprising was what he had said in the moment, the songs he had playing, the moment he planned, and the ring he had made. It was so genuine. And as much influence as I had on the ring, you’ll never know what it actually looks like until you see it for the first time. Cameron picked the most beautiful and perfect elongated cushion. We wanted Compass prongs because of the long distance we’ve been through the last six years. We’re from Canada, and started our long distance in Boston and since then Cameron has lived in Texas and Palm Springs. The north east south west setting truly reflects all the distance we’ve been through to now come together and get to be together. And that is what the diamond in the centre - the elongated cushion represents. Forever together after all of that.”
They are getting married at a special place to them in July, 2027. Congrats you two! We are SO happy for you!