We met at a climbing gym — not the most obvious place to meet the person you’re going to marry, but definitely the one God chose for us. At first, we were just friends who spent way too many hours climbing, talking, and laughing. There wasn’t anything forced about it — it just felt easy. As time went on, our friendship grew into something deeper. We started spending more time outside the gym — hiking, road-tripping, and finding new adventures wherever we could. Somewhere along the way, we realized that what we shared went beyond just a love for the outdoors. God was quietly shaping our hearts, bringing us closer in ways we didn’t even recognize at first. There was never one big moment when everything changed — just a lot of small ones. The kind where you realize that this person beside you makes life lighter, steadier, and a little more full of grace. Now, we still spend our time doing what we love most: climbing, exploring, and seeing more of God’s creation. But what makes it even better is knowing that we get to keep doing it together — grounded in faith, friendship, and the love that started it all.

One of our very first camping trips together was to Garden of the Gods in Illinois, and it quickly became one of our favorite memories. We spent the weekend surrounded by towering rock formations, quiet forests, and endless views that made us feel like we were standing on the edge of the world. We hiked the trails hand in hand, watched the sunset paint the sandstone cliffs gold, and laughed as we tried (and failed) to make the perfect campfire dinner. That trip was when we realized how easy it felt to be together—no phones, no plans, just us, nature, and a sky full of stars. It was the beginning of many adventures to come, and a reminder that the best moments are often the simplest ones—shared with the person you love most.

Our first trip abroad together took us to Ireland, a place that felt like it was made for us. We wandered the lively streets of Dublin, sharing laughter, live music, and (more than a few) perfectly poured pints of Guinness. In Galway, we fell completely in love—with the city, its charm, and maybe even a little more with each other. We spent our days exploring colorful streets, our evenings along the water, and our nights toasting to everything we had and everything ahead. By the time we reached Dingle, we had settled into our favorite rhythm—just the two of us, surrounded by stunning cliffs, long walks, and the kind of peace that only comes when you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. It was a trip filled with laughter, love, and a little bit of magic—one we’ll always hold close to our hearts.

Mount Rainier will always hold a special place in our hearts. Surrounded by wildflowers, crisp mountain air, and views that seemed to stretch forever, we set out on what felt like just another adventure together. But this one turned out to be unforgettable. As we paused to take in the view, he got down on one knee and asked the question that would change our lives forever. It was quiet, peaceful, and absolutely perfect—just us, the mountains, and a love that felt as endless as the view before us. Now, whenever we think of Mount Rainier, we remember that moment—the joy, the tears, and the start of our forever.