After chatting moderately through Facebook, Tyler decided to invite Melissa to a New Years Eve party he was hosting. At the party, the two instantly hit it off discovering their shared enthusiasm of being outdoors, always having a dog by their side, and importance of family. After sharing a New Years Eve kiss, they took things slow until March 10th, 2014 - when they decided to make their relationship "official".

For months the two had planned on hiking Yellow Aster Butte. The hike was seven miles and reached an elevation of 6,100 feet. The view was unlike anything either of them had seen before. Once at the top of the mountain the two caught their breath, laid out a blanket, and shared a lunch. After their mountain top picnic, Melissa asked Tyler if they could take some pictures before they began their decent down the mountain. Tyler smiled, grabbed her camera and told her he would take pictures from behind of her and Ricki staring off at the mountains in the distance. While he took pictures, Tyler secretly placed the open ring box right behind her! After taking some pictures he sat close behind her and said "there is something I need to ask you...will you be my forever hiking partner?!" Tears rolling down her face, Melissa said "YES!"