We met during a strange time, senior year of high school, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the world felt uncertain, somehow we found something steady in each other. What started as late-night conversations and masked hangouts quickly turned into something real. Our first date was on Labor Day in Castle Rock, Colorado, we went on a hike, ate at Rockyard (a restaurant we both still love), and ended the day watching The Notebook at Josh’s house, one of Delainey’s favorite films. It was simple and meaningful, and looking back, kind of the perfect beginning.
After graduation, we stayed close to home. Josh headed to the Colorado School of Mines, and Delainey to CU Denver. We weren’t far, but juggling college life still came with its challenges busy class schedules, part-time jobs, figuring out adulthood one step at a time. But through it all, we showed up for each other. Whether it was sunset hikes after a long day, spontaneous weekend plans, or quiet nights in with a LEGO set or a board game, we kept growing together. Delainey graduated in the fall of 2024, and Josh graduated in Spring of 2025. He’s now working toward finishing his master’s degree in May of 2026.
In the middle of all that, on May 29th, 2025, we adopted our golden retriever, Nala, a sweet, goofy, loving pup who’s quickly become the heart of our little family. She’s been our adventure buddy, our snuggle bug, and our favorite companion on quiet nights and long walks. Just over a month later, on July 5th, 2025, Josh proposed with Nala during a hike, bringing our story full circle. From that very first date on a trail to this unforgettable moment on another, it felt like everything had led us exactly to where we were supposed to be. It was quiet, thoughtful, and perfectly us.
From that very first hike to now, we’ve built something steady and full of joy. We love our board game nights, making LEGO sets side-by-side, and chasing golden hour together whenever we can. We’ve celebrated milestones, supported each other through hard days, and shared so much laughter along the way.
We decided to get married in South Carolina because it's not just a beautiful place to celebrate, it’s where we hope to start the next chapter of our lives, and eventually, build our home in the years to come.
We’re so excited for the big day and can’t wait to celebrate with all the people who’ve been part of our story. If you’re unable to be there in person, know you’ll absolutely be with us in spirit, your love, thoughts, and prayers mean the world. Thanks for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to begin forever.