We Eloped!

Courtney and Hunter first met in high school. There were a couple of dates but ultimately went their separate ways. They found each other again in 2014 and have been together ever since.

We moved together up to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2016 for school at Northern Michigan University. When Courtney wasn't in class and Hunter wasn't working, they explored the U.P. and fell in love with everything it offers - even the winters. Since then they have taken the time to visit 17 National Parks and 20 states together. Travel and the outdoors have become a central part of their lives - along with their fat, fluffy cat, Mira.

Courtney had taken an internship in Avon, Colorado for the summer of 2021. Hunter drove out with her to get her settled in and spend some time exploring Colorado. On her weekend, the two visited Rocky Mountain National Park. They planned a drive through the park for the first day, and a hike for the second. They had stopped at the Alpine Visitor Center at the highest point of the park. There were panoramic views at the center itself, but there was a short trail (more of a staircase) up a hill that ended at 12,005 feet. It was a perfect, blue bird day and still tons of snowpack on the surrounding peaks. While Courtney caught her breath (the elevation kicked her ass), Hunter took her hand and just asked - and we all know the answer! It was a perfectly spontaneous moment.