We matched on a dating app in Fall of 2015 and met for our first date at Dangerous Man in Northeast Minneapolis. The conversation and Peanut Butter Porters flowed freely, and we were both were surprised by how much we made each other laugh and at the common threads in our pasts. When the topic of goals and dreams arose, Mitch even mentioned that he had always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail. Over the next three years, we celebrated milestones including adopting (and housetraining!) a puppy, selling Mitch's downtown bachelor pad, and completing several home renovations on our 1923 Craftsman bungalow. Many hobbies and interests have become shared, such as Mitch's love for camping and backpacking- our favorite way to spend summer weekends in Minnesota. Mitch started meeting up with Karen on weekends of business trips and now has a healthy frequent flier miles balance of his own and an international trip under his belt. 2018 was an epic year for us! Mitch fulfilled his dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail, walking 2,200 miles in five months. Karen used this time to train for her first marathon, which she completed shortly after Mitch returned. While the time apart was "character building", we both agree that we never want to do long distance again. The experience was a reminder of the love we share and how important it is for us to be together - forever. Mitch proposed to Karen on a sunny November day at Fort Snelling State Park, at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. While in our eyes, our life together has already begun, we cannot wait to make it "official" and celebrate with our family and friends!