We're getting married!

Our story began on a warm July evening in 2021 at TOAST (Twenties On A Ski Team) practice. The night we met we were roller skiing and doing hill repeats. Quinn was new to the group, and what we thought was going to be a quick introduction after practice, turned into a lengthy conversation that neither of us wanted to end. There was an instant connection. Throughout the remainder of the summer, we would talk at length during practices and would hang around afterwards to continue talking. We laughed and would check in with each other on our summer training (Quinn was gearing up to do what she does best in the winter, going fast at ski races. Alex was training for the Twin Cities Marathon that summer.). As the summer session was winding down, Alex volunteered to host the team at his newly purchased home for a grill out and backyard games. Elated would be an appropriate adjective to describe Alex's feeling when Quinn RSVP'd for the event. The one curveball in this budding love story was Quinn getting locked in Alex's bathroom for about 20 minutes while everyone was downstairs. To be fair, the bathroom lock was a bit old and hard to use. To be sure, any embarrassment on the part of Quinn and Alex (as Alex frantically attempted to get a guest out of a bad situation in his new house, and as Quinn was trapped with everyone knowing about it) quickly dissipated and is now just a funny chapter in our story. As fall turned to winter, it was seemingly a classic scenario where we were both interested in one another but had yet to make a "move." TOAST was now TCSC (Twin Cities Ski Club) and we both would see each other at least twice a week. We were also both coaching high school ski teams too so that was another opportunity for us see each other often. After a post snowstorm ski across the Stone Arch Bridge invite was foiled due a planned trip to Moorehead Quinn had, Alex finally mustered up the courage to ask Quinn out. The rest is quite literally a living fairytale. On December 19th, 2021 we met for a drink at Venn Brewing (check it out this weekend). One drink turned into two and hours passed by like seconds. AND....the adventures haven't stopped. From bringing hot water and coco mix to a quick walk around Centennial Lakes before the holidays just so we could see each other again to our annual camping adventures to a National Park of choice to all our ski racing and kilometers, every adventure together has been incredibly special. We're incredibly grateful to our friends and family who have been there with us and for us every step of the way. We cannot wait to celebrate our day with you all, and we thank you for your continued love and support.

The Anderson Bluff & River Trail Foundation asked us to share our proposal story for their newsletter since the proposal took place on their trail system. The below is the story as told by Alex. My fiance Quinn and I both grew up enjoying the beauty of ABR. Quinn's family has spent many winter days finding freshly groomed corduroy and have been active SISU participants over the years. My time gliding through the River Trail started as a member of the UW-Eau Claire Nordic Ski Club on our annual winter break trips, and has turned into over a decade of making annual ski trips to enjoy the trails. Given our memories and experiences at this wonderful place, it seemed only fitting that it would become a special part of our story. Throughout our time together, ABR has been a special place for us to make weekend trips. These trips were filled with long skis and endless laughter and are part of the core memories we have as a couple. From the moment I knew I was going to propose, I knew I wanted it to be at ABR. I also knew I wanted the proposal to be a total surprise. As the calendar changed to fall last year, my plans started to come into focus. The universe through, as is sometimes the case, threw a curveball into my plans. In mid-November, I tore my ACL, meniscus, and severely sprained my MCL in my left knee. My ski season was done before it started. As I began my recovery in PT, I was undeterred in my plans, especially when I received confirmation from my PT that I'd likely be able to follow through with my proposal plans in late January/early February. We even added practiced knee bends to my rehab routine. The secret proposal was set for the first weekend of February. With warm temps and snow melt predicted, plans were changed for the last weekend in January. On Sunday, January 28th, Quinn and her mom were out on the trails enjoying a post Noque ski. While they skied, I trekked through the snowshoe trails to find the best spot. After skiing and saying goodbye to her mom, Quinn and I went for a walk on the snowshoe trails. Equipped with spiked yak tracks, poles and my locking brace, we slowly made our way down the Cabin Trail. As we approached an icey downhill, I told Quinn I needed to adjust my brace. While adjusting the brace, I mentioned I was getting warm and going to enjoy some of the snacks we had packed for our walk, which was my opportunity to take off my jacket and fish out the the ring from its inner pocket. The next thing Quinn knew, I was on my knee asking her to spend the rest of her life with me. Her answer was a giddy "yes"! As we enjoyed the moment, I used my knee brace as a stand for my phone so we could recreate the moment and get pictures. Quinn was totally surprised. Even better, her mom had waited in the parking lot for us to walk back so we could share the news.