Our storyOur story
It all began with a swipe… and led us to our forever.
On our first date, Aarica introduced Troy to matcha while Troy piqued Aarica's curiosity about Dungeons and Dragons. We quickly bonded over our shared love of hiking, Aarica's love of backpacking, Troy's semi-disastrous backpacking trip, and our nerdiness. What quickly ensued was a sunset hiking date to Rattlesnake Ledge for our fourth date, where we shared each other's cooking over a picnic dinner. Our dates kept getting longer as we found ourselves wanting to spend more time together. A year and a half and many cherished milestones down the road, Aarica suggested hiking back up to Rattlesnake Ledge on a rainy December day to beat the winter blues. Little did she know that Troy was on the lookout (pun intended) for an opportunity to take their relationship to the next level. As we got up to the summit, Troy got down on one knee, pretending to take a selfie before bringing out the ring. Join our adventure as we level up!
The very first photo we took together! It was taken on our third date, after a picnic dinner and sunset hike at Rattlesnake Ledge.
Our first birthday celebration together. Troy got a Dungeons & Dragons themed cake!
Our first fancy night out
Our first backpacking trip together. We averted near-disaster when Troy hiked off-trail to retrieve his fallen pack. Aarica was so impressed!
Pre-sunset at Mt Baker. This one displays our dynamic pretty well ;)
Camp all packed up!
Halloween fun!
Troy showing Mackenzie and Aarica photo albums from his childhood
Our first vacation together... day trip to Smith Rock from Bend, Oregon. This is where Troy charmed Aarica into finally getting a hydration reservoir!
Snowflake Lane Parade!
Our first Christmas together. What the photo doesn't show is the wreath we both made together :)
Our first trip together via flight! We fell in love with Sedona!
Troy's first time snowshoeing. He was like a kid on a cloud!
Huskies game! Fun fact: Aarica first met Troy's family at a Huskie's watch party
Not the first time we said 'I love you' to one another
Austin sunsets :)
Troy's first time meeting Sushi
Followed shortly by us eating sushi (not with a capital S)
Hawaii vibes
Teamwork to build ourselves a nice little campfire
Hiking the Scottish high... er, lowlands
Celebrating with afternoon tea in Edinburgh
Biking the gardens and grounds of Versailles
When in Paris, gotta go to the Eiffel Tower!
A very special family birthday celebration!
Family wedding festivities!
Lake Valhalla... or Viking heaven. To reach this heavenly place on a very wildfire-smoggy day (the AQI was over 100!) felt like a blessing indeed!
Go Huskies!
Out on a larch march... our first one together!
Wahoo!
Troy's first trip to B.C. (in over 20 years!). He loved Timmies!
Watching live theater/musicals. This one's another tradition we love :)
Notice the smirk on Troy's face?! He has a secret...
Troy later commemorated this moment in art <3
Minutes after Troy proposed to Aarica. The secret's out!
The aforementioned wreathmaking. Another yearly traditions of ours :) Nothing quite like making art with loved ones
Snowflake lake shenanigans
Engagement celebrations!
What better way to celebrate the new than than being outside with loved ones?! A tradition of sorts :)
On a tour to find the perfect spot to get married! Love the view of Mt Tahoma (Rainier) with the lenticular clouds
Being tourists in our own city
Our first NHL game together, Troy cheering on the Seattle Kraken while Aarica cheered on the Toronto Maple Leafs!
Adding Joshua Tree to our list of National Parks!
We had the pleasure of taking Mackenzie on her first hike ever. She loved it!
Gotta do the touristy pose!
Our second hike together - Snow Lake. We feel lucky to live in such a beautiful state!
Pumpkin carving :)
Lovely hike in the Chuckanuts!
This was the same hike and viewpoint on a very, very, very rainy day...
Troy's first time eating a dosa. He devoured it!
Troy showing us around Facebook
Walking across a cooled lava lake at the Kīlauea Iki Trail... one of Troy's favourites hikes ever!
We know how to do birthdays right :)
Tailgating with the coolest crew
Fourth of July family celebrations!
We love pumpkins... as you'll find out!
Troy's Dungeons & Dragon-themed birthday party...2 years in a row!
More pumpkin carving!
Celebrating our engagement with family :)
Exploring the Olympic coast
Another successful backpacking adventure!
For all the days along the way
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