{Big Dreams Are Building}

Chase and Elyse met at On Broadway February 2021 when Chase was joining his sister-in-law, Lindsey, for dinner. Elyse was their masked server who apparently just needed her smiling eyes to make an impression significant enough for Chase to want to come back a second time and ask for her number (Thanks to Lindsey's coaching he played it cool and was very smooth). Elyse knew from the first few days texting, Chase was a charismatic, intentional, caring and sound man who would definitely be worth pursuing. Chase proved he was interested in her back by agreeing to do her outside workouts with her amidst the below zero temperatures. The two conversed easily and got along comfortably right off the bat. Less than 2 weeks later, Chase would join Elyse for Ash Wednesday mass and ask her to be his girlfriend. The two had a euphoric 4 months full of marvelous adventures. From an impromptu day trip to snowboard in Whitefish, to a spring break bike rendezvous in the desert...from epic tree runs in Red Lodge to streaking into a freezing cold river... from all the bike rides and rafting to birthday waterfall hunting, Elyse & Chase bonded in experiences and adventure. In the 5th month of our pair's adventure, the two would bond in an experience unlike any they had had up until that point. Chase's ulcerative colitis would resurface and he would sit Elyse down to give her the opportunity to leave. Without batting an eye, Elyse refuted the suggestion and told Chase she was already sure of him and had no desire to leave his side - especially if he was to get very sick. Chase's health did take an unfortunate turn. Rather than being on the trails and rivers, Chase found himself confined to his couch, taking life hour by hour just trying to stay in the fight. This season took Elyse and Chase to an extremely real and raw level-- truly getting to know each other and what it means to be someone's support, friend, and partner. With a roller coaster of trials with different medications, Chase finally started making small improvements and gaining more strength back. Although nowhere near 100%, Chase went back to work. His health took some steps backward before going forward again, but Chase consistently demonstrated his resiliency and grit. The two were able to dream again and one cold December day, Elyse's mom would send them a listing for a lot for sale beneath the Scratch Gravel Hills- a mountain both Elyse and Chase have individually sought refuge during some of life's hardest moments. The potential reality of dreams coming true ignited the decision for both of them to throw in their allotment to go in on this dream- to buy dirt, build a home, and continue a life together. Both sold their houses- Elyse moved into her parent's basement and Chase truly sacrificed by enduring -40 degree Montana winter in his 5th wheel. --- This wedding brings with it many big emotions. Primarily those of deep gratitude. And then more gratitude. For strength, hope, HEALTH, faith, trust, and authentic, unconditional love. Thank you so much for your desire to celebrate all of these things with us. As Chase says many times over, "This last season just took a toll on me". Thank you for sticking with us and supporting us through all our seasons as individuals and as a couple. It's pretty overwhelmingly beautiful to both of us to have made it to where we are now. We can't wait to celebrate with all of you! If not in person yet, definitely in spirit! Love, prayers, & GRATITUDE, Elyse & Chase <3