It all began with an impressive Match.com profile which caught the eye of Amanda (whose Match.com profile, she must admit, was significantly less impressive.) Being a writing instructor, Amanda was particularly drawn to the way in which Austin's profile captured not only his sense of humor, but his endless curiousity and enthusiasm for adventure. Back and forth banter ensued which finally led to a face to face meeting at a mini-golf course in Arvada, Colorado. Upon meeting, Austin's first words to Amanda were "Is it you?", to which Amanda replied "I think so." It didn't take too long for them both to become more certain of the answer to that question. Finding the golf course over crowded, the two eventually made their way to a new restaurant in Denver, (one of the many that they would try over the course of the next few months). On his way there, Austin called ahead and told the manager, "Look--this is a first date and I really like this girl, so how can you help me out?" Amanda arrived at the restaurant to find an impressive set-up on the back patio complete with drinks, appetizers, blankets, an open fire, and the fixings for s'mores. All in all, it was more than a successful first date.

Over the next few years, Austin and Amanda shared many adventures together, traveling to China, Costa Rica, and Scotland. Nationally, they made trips to Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, and New York City. Locally, they roadtripped to Wyoming, Buena Vista, Salida, and Great Sand Dunes National Park. During this time, Amanda and Austin split their time between the two cities, Denver and Fort Collins. This would lead to over a year and a half of regulary braving the hour and fifteen minute commute along the 1-25 corridor. In fall of 2017, Austin eventually made the move to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he began working in product marketing at Waterpik. Finally, in September 2018, both Austin and Amanda adopted a rescue, initially christened Pumpkin, but immediately renamed Maggie (aka Mags aka Maggadoo aka Maggie Poo Pie) who instantly became the central focus of their conversations, affection, fears/ worries, routines. She continues to melt their hearts with her empathetic head tilts, her unexplainable suspicion toward grocery bags and glass bottles, her exasperated snorts at conversations that don't involve her, and her relentless obesessive attempts to be as close to them as humanly possible. Let's face it-- this day is really about her.

In May of 2019, Austin and Amanda made a trip to Scotland to attend the wedding of some friends and to spend time exploring the Highlands. The day that they were expected in Edinburgh, they had planned to go for a morning hike in Glencoe, but they ended up getting a late start. Austin suggested that they hike a ways until they “saw something cool, and Amanda agreed. After awhile, Amanda, concerned that they would be late, proposed that they turn back, but Austin became suddenly adamant that they make it to the top. The ascent was roughly 1,000 feet and a couple of miles, not what many would call a leisurely hike. It’s VERY important to recognize that Amanda hadn’t had any food or water before they left and was HANGRY and dehydrated. But she continued up the mountain, all the while protesting often that they didn’t NEED to make it to the top. Didn’t they have challenging hikes and gorgeous views in Colorado? Austin was characteristically unshakable in his pursuit of the destination. The trail was wet, and the rocks were slippery. At times, they had to scramble on their hands and knees. When they reached the top, the trees opened to a mist covered clearing. It was, admittedly, romantic. Austin set up his camera to get a picture of them near a small waterfall and Amanda noted that they would have to descend a steep and muddy hill in order to get the shot, which meant they would have to scramble back up it. Irritated, (remember no food + no water + cold + wet + late) she argued that they didn’t need THAT shot. Austin, pretended not to hear her, heading down the slope and motioning for her to follow. She's only slightly ashamed to admit that he had to beg her to come down. Eventually, she gave in and descended on shaky legs. Once there, she looked around turning toward Austin just in time to see him produce the ring. Austin asked Amanda to marry him, and well… the image below offers the most vivid and accurate account of how the rest of it played out.