Josh and Cass met in the fall of 2020 in an athletic training lab at Northern Arizona University, just as students were returning to campus after COVID. Looking for an excuse to spend more time together, Josh asked Cass for her number to “study” for class. Not long after, Cass came over to study, and Josh worked up the courage to ask her on their first date—lunch at Crystal Creek Sandwich Company in Flagstaff. Their relationship quickly grew, even through a season of long distance when Josh graduated in 2021 and spent the summer working in Montana while Cass stayed in Arizona to finish school. When Josh returned to Flagstaff that fall, they continued building their life together while Cass completed her degree in Exercise Science in 2022. Over the years they bonded over their shared love of the outdoors—spending time disc golfing, skiing and snowboarding, playing pickleball, and camping around northern Arizona. In the fall of 2022, Cass began Northern Arizona University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and that same summer Josh decided to stay in Flagstaff year-round so they could finally live in the same place. They moved in together and continued supporting each other through school and work. Cass graduated in the winter of 2024 and is now a physical therapist at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona, while Josh works for the City of Flagstaff after several years with the Forest Service.

Josh proposed to Cass on June 21, 2025, in Valle, Arizona. For the proposal, Josh rented a glass-roofed, stargazing camper out in the quiet desert where they planned to spend the night. As a fun activity, the two decided to paint portraits of each other. Cass carefully painted a thoughtful portrait, but Josh had something else in mind. When it came time to reveal their paintings, Josh turned his canvas around—and instead of a portrait, it read “Will you marry me?” Cass said yes, and the two celebrated their engagement with a drive to the Grand Canyon and a romantic dinner at the El Tovar Hotel.