The couple’s mutual friend had been encouraging Colleen to meet her coworker Lee. Knowing them both very well, she had a hunch they would connect. Colleen finally agreed to this over brunch on a Sunday afternoon. The following day, however, Colleen and Lee found each other on a dating app, both realizing this was the person their friend had been trying to connect them with. A few days later they met up over guac and margs and the rest, as they say, is history!

When Colleen and Lee met, Colleen had been working on the 46er challenge, attempting to climb the forty six highest peaks in New York State (all located within the Adirondack mountains). Throughout dating, she was often running off to the mountains for these long day hikes. By August of '23, a weekend in Lake Placid with friends unfolded, to celebrate Colleen's last summit. She knew Lee intended to join on the final climb but had no idea what else he was planning… It had been raining on and off throughout the day. The summit was chilly and cloudy, but it lent an air of mystique and serenity. A few families were up top as well, but filtered out while the couple took in the sweet mountain air. As Colleen got up to start the descent, she felt Lee hug her. Turning around, he was kneeling with a ring. She was completely in shock, but so thrilled, and promised to tackle life’s adventures with Lee, always.