We’re Getting Married!

Matt & Emily could have met in their local Barnes & Noble. They might have passed one another on the trails they each frequented at Pilot Mountain. Perhaps they wandered neighboring aisles at the grocery store, or found themselves at REI within hours of one another. But instead of these meet-cutes, they were introduced by the worldwide web. Two swipes and some witty banter later, they decided to meet for breakfast. Two days later, they met up again to go rock climbing. It was around the time that Emily trusted Matt with her life & Matt realized Emily was no wimp that the pair agreed there was potential here worth exploring. Numerous dates, countless hikes, plenty of firsts, and one puppy later - the rest is history & yet the adventure is just beginning!

Matt & Emily had both wanted to conquer Mt Mitchell - the tallest peak on the East Coast - for several years, but weather and other nuisances had gotten in the way. They had planned this trip for weeks ahead of time, and luckily had a cool morning with good weather forecasted when the day came. Matt was nervous carrying the ring in his pocket, but the 7 mile ascent passed as enjoyably as 3600 feet in elevation gain can, and before we knew it we had arrived at the summit!...which was being enjoyed by about 50 other people, 48 of whom had driven to the top. Talk about anticlimactic! Matt & Emily decided to carry on and hike to the neighboring, second tallest & road-free Mt Craig - an extra 2 miles and the most strenuous terrain yet. We had this summit to ourselves, and while Emily was snapping pictures, Matt sneakily set up his GoPro. The scene was set, and Matt’s hands were extra sweaty as he posed Emily for a photo. As the picture was taken Matt turned towards Emily and stated he wanted to read from a book he had found that reminded him of their relationship. He pulled a miniature book from his backpack, and began reading a random page. He paused and said “let me find a better page” while flipping to the speech he had prepared. With the last line “will you marry me” Matt turned to the section of the book he had hollowed out to hold the ring, got down on one knee, and Emily couldn’t say yes fast enough!

Various mountains have signified all sorts of milestones in Matt & Emily’s relationship. Their first trip together was to Hanging Rock State Park. Emily’s first camping trip was with Matt (& Max!) at Shortoff Mountain. They got engaged on Mt Craig, after hiking Mt Mitchell. So it only makes sense that we would incorporate the mountains into our wedding too! August 20, 2020 On August 20th, we plan to hike in North Cascades National Park in Washington state and exhange vows on a mountaintop with our parents and siblings as witnesses. This way of incorporating our love of the outdoors with our love for one another (and our aversions to being the center of attention!) feels like the most “us” way to start this new chapter. August 29, 2020 On August 29th, we look forward to celebrating our marriage at a reception, surrounded by all of our loved ones. We intend to move to Colorado in early 2020, so it will be extra special to share our newly adopted hometown with everyone!