It's goin' down

Haley and Colby met for the first time on March 9, 2019, at Mamacitas Taqueria in downtown Asheville before heading to the Orange Peel for a Mike Gordon show. Introduced by mutual friends, they were surprised they had somehow never met before. They clicked instantly. They spent the night sharing in the groove to the sweet vibrations of Mike Gordon’s bass, partaking in a few flirtatious conversations, and unknowingly giving their friends plenty of reasons to smirk. The signed ticket stub from that night is still one of their favorite keepsakes. They both felt the spark, but neither was looking for a relationship. Fate, however, had other plans. Their next encounter came over St. Patrick’s Day weekend when Colby’s roommate Mary casually tipped him off that Haley was at Foggy Mountain Brew Pub and that he should “probably stop by.” He did, and the two picked up right where they left off. When Haley walked out to get an Uber home, Colby literally ran outside to catch her before she got in the car, managing to get her number just in time. Weeks passed filled with plenty of texting but no actual date. Their schedules just wouldn’t line up, until Colby finally declared that enough was enough… they were setting a day and sticking to it. Their first date was wonderfully unconventional. A didgeridoo meditation at Asheville Community Yoga. From there, they shared a beer at Burial Beer Co., where the conversation came naturally and the connection deepened. They ended the evening meeting friends for dinner at Red Ginger. When Colby took Haley back to her car at the end of the night, they shared their first kiss. From that night on, one date turned into many. Months became years. Together they navigated new jobs, new routines, and even the uncertainty of the early pandemic. Through it all, their connection grew stronger. Marriage wasn’t something they rushed. Their relationship felt solid, complete, and strong without it. But over time, they realized it was a step they both wanted to take. After a few months of planning a January 2025 trip to Portugal, mapping out cities and adventures, Colby decided it would be the perfect time to propose. On their second day, they flew to São Miguel Island in the Azores. Colby felt the ring burning a hole in his pocket but was waiting for the right time. They took a morning hike and soaked in the geothermal pools, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the island. As the sun began to break over the mountains and filter through the greenery, he knew it was the moment. He asked. Haley said yes. The rest of the trip became a celebration. A romantic engagement tour through Portugal’s landscapes, food, and culture. Today, Haley and Colby continue to complement each other in the best ways. They balance one another, lift each other up, and see the light in each other through the hard times and the good. Their love is built on curiosity, shared adventures, deep friendship, and the simple joy of choosing each other every day. And now, they’re so excited to celebrate that love with you.