We're getting married!

Once upon a time, in the heart of Austin, our love story began. It all started with a simple walk around the serene lake, the sun setting, and two hearts quickly falling in love. As we strolled hand in hand, neither of us could have predicted the grand adventure that awaited us. Jake, a born and raised Vermonter, had a feeling that things were meant to be when he discovered that Sophie had a dog named Maple. It was as though the universe itself was affirming our connection, and our dogs, Maple and Raven, both instantly got along very well. After only a few months of dating, we made the daring decision that would change our lives forever: to travel the world together. The world became our canvas, and we were eager to paint it with the vibrant colors of our shared experiences. Our journey took us across the globe, weaving a tapestry of unforgettable memories. We marveled at the bustling streets of Tokyo, and fed deer and monkeys in the forests of Nara. We dove into the azure waters of the Philippines, where we swam alongside gentle giants, the magnificent whale sharks. In Taiwan, we soared high above the emerald landscape, paragliding through the endless skies, our screams, and laughter echoing in the wind. In Hong Kong, Jake's phone took an unplanned plunge into the bay while we were kayaking. Determined and undeterred, we spent unsuccessful hours diving into the depths, fueled by a mix of adrenaline and sheer determination. Thailand welcomed us as we bathed and cared for majestic elephants, forging a connection that touched our souls. It was in the land of smiles that we also discovered the true meaning of cooking delicious Thai cuisine. In the heart of Amsterdam, we stumbled upon a hidden gem, relishing the most extraordinary french fries and poffertjes as the canals whispered their secrets to our delightfully altered perceptions. In Italy we explored the romantic landscapes of Lake Como, roamed the historic streets of Florence, and marveled at the grandeur of Rome's ancient wonders. Amidst the stunning beauty of Cinque Terre's coastal villages, we lost ourselves in local cuisine, serenaded by the Ligurian Sea's gentle embrace. In Portugal, we found ourselves atop rugged cliffs, gazing at the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. But it was our awe-inspiring journey along the Pico to Pico trail that truly took our breath away. High above the clouds, we hiked along winding paths that led us through mist-shrouded peaks, the feeling of being on top of the world heightened as we ventured closer to the heavens. The next day we took to the charming streets of Funchal, tobogganing down the cobbled pathway of the old city. The grand finale of our epic journey unfolded in Budapest. We spent joyful hours catching up with friends, and sharing stories while indulging in the soothing thermal baths the city is renowned for. Then, we all rocked out together at the Sziget Festival, dancing to the electrifying beats of Imagine Dragons. This unique blend of reuniting with friends and experiencing the festival made for an unforgettable conclusion to our overseas adventure. Throughout our globe-trotting adventures, our love not only endured but thrived. We confronted the tempest of delayed flights, grappled with food poisoning, weathered camping in mud and rain, and even navigated the cacophony of Sophie's panicked cries as we darted through frenzied streets on a scooter. These trials and tribulations served to strengthen our bond. If we could withstand these challenges and emerge more deeply in love than ever, it was a testament to our enduring compatibility—a love capable of conquering any obstacle in our path. Our love story, which began with a simple walk around an Austin lake, had grown into a tapestry of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable moments across the globe. It was a testament to the strength of our love, and we knew that our journey is far from over, with many more adventures and shared dreams waiting on the horizon.