- Mia and Blake

Blake and I first met at a Christmas party after being introduced by a mutual friend. All night we laughed, played games, and made countless Spongebob references. After winter break, we happened to run into each other again on Mass Street, Lawrence's main strip, when Blake boldly asked me out on a date. Our first date was on Valentine's Day and you could say Cupid's arrow definitely struck! We have been in love for over 3 years now and continue to fall more for each other every day!

"Today is the big day," I thought to myself as I woke up before the Sun was even peaking over the beautiful Zion landscape. I could barely sleep the night before (or the previous nights). I was a nervous yet excited wreck. Today was going to be a major milestone in both our lives. The bags were packed, and we were ready to head to our hike after I checked my bag at least seven times for the ring. We got to the starting point of the Emerald Pools hike and after I had previously made a plan with the rest of the group secretly, Mia and I rushed up the path to "get a head start." On the 2-mile hike, we saw the beautiful Emerald Pools, chatted about life, and reminisced about times with our puppy, Cash. We made it to the final of the three Emerald Pools, where I found a secluded area and asked Mia to sit with me to take a rest after our hike. I gave her a note I had written and once she finished reading it, I was on one knee proposing to her. She of course said yes and we hugged, cried, and laughed together in what felt like frozen time. Shortly after, the rest of her family joined us at the top to celebrate and take pictures. This was one of the happiest moments of my life and still feels surreal to this day. I am so excited to marry my best friend and can't wait to be in Boulder next July!