We met on the dating app Hinge in the fall of 2022. Mark was intrigued by Anna's interest in cooking and the outdoors, while Anna liked their shared love of travel. Our first date was at the Green Russell speakeasy in Larimer Square where we shared cocktails, bonded over a love of travel, and realized we both wanted to visit Albania. The conversation was going well and we moved to Jinya for bowls of ramen, where we talked about our families and what we want in a partner. Sparks were flying, and after a brief kiss at the end of the evening we both knew they had found someone special!

In October of 2023, we fulfilled our first-date goals and traveled to Albania together! We went on an epic hike in Theth, drove through the crazy streets of Tirana, and said "I Love You" for the first time. Next we visited Crete where we explored Greek history, went wine tasting, and tried to eat as much seafood as possible.

Mark started the day with a pizza brunch - Anna loves good pizza, while it's not Mark's first or second choice on a menu. Knowing that Anna likes hiking and scenic overlooks, Mark then suggested a hike up South Table Mountain in Golden. He proposed at the top overlooking one of his favorite places (and looking at his favorite person). Mark also had a friend meet us at the top to take photos and toast with a bottle of our favorite champagne!