Sometimes love can surprise you. In 2022, Sara was newly single, focused solely on her kids, Clay and Molly, and all their activities and academics, while setting up a new house in Denver and running her nutrition business. Jeff was enjoying growing success with his company, yet getting tired of bachelor-hood. The two were not necessarily thinking about love. However, God had other plans... In May of that year, Sara and Jeff met at a coffee shop and talked for over an hour. Sparks were instantly flying, so plans were made to exchange phone numbers and have dinner soon. Sushi dinner followed, along with plenty of butterflies, laughter and an epic ping-pong match! Jeff planned more lunch and dinner dates over the next weeks, and a fast friendship grew, despite Sara's hesitancy to "jump in to things too quickly." Jeff, knowing he had a lot to offer in a relationship and knowing Sara "was the one," could not have been more loving, kind or patient. That summer Sara and Jeff took a mini vacation to Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort near Buena Vista, Colorado. It was on that trip that they knew...they were falling in love! It was exciting to take a leap of faith and see where this relationship would go. Despite changes happening all around them with work, life, kids and their big networks of families and friends, Sara and Jeff committed to each other and all the adventures that would follow! From busy weekends in Denver with the kids (and soccer!), to settling down part-time in Salida, Sara and Jeff are loving the life they are building together. The two have taken many trips all over the country to see family and friends. Together with the kids, they love going to concerts, skiing, entertaining at home, and so much more! Jeff asked Sara to marry him on the Winter Solstice (December 21, 2023) while celebrating an early Christmas with Jeff's mom, Jan. The whole week was a magical holiday - complete with cutting down a live tree in the forest, lots of yummy cooking and sitting by the cozy fireplace at home in Salida. Later that week, Clay and Molly and Sara's parents, Peggy and George, arrived to continue the celebrations, making this one of the most memorable and happy Christmas's they have ever had! (Side note: Jeff picked out the Colorado state gem - an aquamarine stone - set in a diamond halo for Sara's engagement ring. The aquamarine stone is believed to bring love and harmony into a marriage. A local Salida rock-hounder/jeweler, well-known for cultivating the most beautiful aquamarines from Mount Antero in the local mountains, made the most perfect and meaningful ring! Similarly, that jeweler has also crafted Jeff's wedding band from sterling silver and engraved the Collegiate Peaks mountain range.) Sara and Jeff cannot wait to begin this next phase of their love - marriage! Thank you for joining the celebrations!

"Love, I know in my heart without a doubt even if I can never find the words to say. You are the one I am crazy about; you are the one I fall for every day. When everything doesn’t feel right, I look at you my sun, my moon, the morning light, my happiness when all is blue. With you I am always safe and every day you make my heart race. You are my home, my friend, my saving grace." ― Courtney Peppernell, Pillow Thoughts "i want a love that doesn't break one that gives me water when i am consumed by fire one that offers me shelter when i am lost one that helps me see that the hero i am looking for is me" ― yung pueblo, Inward "Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along." ― Rumi

Photos of the Steel Horse on this wedding website are from the Colorado Retreat Co./Steel Horse (Rocky Mountain Films, Phreckles Photography, Ashography, Ellyse Marie Photography, Pretty Lady Photography, Kim Marquez Photography & Canvas Photography). Other photos are ours, from our iPhones.