Doug and Jess met through an online dating app when Doug sent Jess a "♥️” after seeing a picture of her in a cute blue dress at a friend’s wedding. Jess suggested a hike for their first date on February 13, 2022 and Doug's reaction was, "Well this is new and unique!” Doug taught Jess to mountain bike that first spring they dated, and she took a couple of nasty spills but loved being outside sharing something Doug really enjoys. Their early dates included hiking in Colorado Springs, playing games at home, mountain biking, and checking out cool local restaurants and events. Jess and Doug visited her hometown in White Rock, New Mexico at the end of the summer in 2022 and her family was able to meet him for the first time - they love him! Doug took Jess to his sister's wedding in Baltimore, Maryland that fall, and his family adores her too. Doug and Jess soaked in the hot springs at Mt. Princeton for their one-year anniversary of dating in February 2023. That following summer of 2023, Doug graduated with his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Jess was able to attend his thesis defense. In August 2023, Jess and Doug traveled to Kauai, Hawaii for their first big getaway. This magical vacation was filled with incredible snorkeling, swimming, poke bowls, tropical music, and one very special hike in which Doug asked Jess to marry him in front of a waterfall at Waimea Canyon State Park. And now they have been planning a killer wedding party and are so excited for you to join them on August 24, 2024!!!