Joel and Anastasia met while working at St. Joseph's Youth Camp on July 28, 2013. At the end of the camp season, Joel wanted to hike up to Mormon Mountain. Anastasia asked if she could join him. What she didn't know was Joel never stayed on a trail. Instead of a leisurely hike up a trail, Anastasia found her self marching through bush, tripping on roots, and scrambling on boulders. Finally they inched their way onto a high cliff. Anastasia couldn't believe the lengths they went to for this hike, but when they sat down, they enjoyed a beautiful view of Mormon Lake. When they talk about how they met, Joel always smiles at Anastasia and says, "she could keep up." So began a series of adventures together.

Joel grew up in Flagstaff, AZ. He was used to having the Grand Canyon nearby. Many of his single years were spent doing day hikes in the Canyon. In fact, once he did rim to rim to rim in 12 hours. Anastasia grew up in Mesa, AZ. she had only hiked 6 miles, and there were no heavy backpacks involved. So, after 8 months of dating, Joel wanted to check a backpacking trip off his bucket list. The Royal Arch Loop involved boulder scrambling, floating across the Colorado River, and rappelling down a ledge. Not only that, the trip in total was about 32 miles. The hike was challenging. There were lots of tears involved. Anastasia kept telling herself the only way out of the Canyon was by hiking out, so despite exhaustion she kept going. Despite the challenge of the trip, the Royal Arch loop was beautiful. Even though the trip was arduous, Anastasia realized something Joel knew all along. The journey is worth it in order to collect stories that will last for ever.

Anastasia and Joel started a Valentine's day tradition. Every year they decided to backpack in the Grand Canyon. Each year brought it's own challenges and memories, but for their trip in 2017, the stars seemed to align. Going into the Canyon, the weather caused inverted clouds. Basically this meant that the Canyon was covered in clouds. At the bottom, however, the weather was perfect. Sunny. Not too hot and not too cold. For once, Anastasia didn't feel exhausted, but energetic. The next day involved a day hike to Ribbon Falls. Anastasia always wanted to stand behind a waterfall. Then, when they got there, Joel walked ahead behind the waterfall. Anastasia followed behind. She hugged Joel, and then he said, "this is where it happens..." He got down on one knee and and asked her to marry him. He showed her the ring with the Peaks and the Grand Canyon. Home and their favorite place. Anastasia began to cry. On their way out, Anastasia saw a rainbow over the Grand Canyon. A good sign.

This section is written in first person by me: the bride. When Joel and I started our marriage prep process, we met with Fr. Pat. he asked us what our strength as a couple was. We stumbled over the question, but later realized we thought the same thing: Simplicity. That can mean a lot of things but for us it means this: Enjoy the company of each other and family because that's all you need. Always forgive each other because it is easier to love each other than be mad. Have faith that things will always work out. The hard times are temporary. I think we believe in a lifestyle that is about the moments. Time with family and friends; time with each other; and the chance to someday build our own family. So, expect a wedding celebration filled with happy moments, family, and friends! Love, Anastasia and Joel