First Date After a few days of chatting online, Dave and Kayla met at a small coffee shop in Basalt. Given both of their propensity for awkwardness, the date started with nervous introductions and panic ordering anything off of the menu. Once the nerves settled and the coffee kicked in, they spent the next three hours talking about work, hometowns, and Lord of the Rings.

First Adventure Early on a Monday morning, Dave received a last-minute invite to go camping in Utah that weekend. While Kayla doesn’t typically sign up for activities that include “in three days,” “middle of the desert” or “chilly March weather” in the description, she knew it was important for Dave to reconnect with his friends. After many check lists, packing, and REI visits, they were in the truck and off to Green River, Utah with no actual idea of what to expect. They met Dave’s friends at an empty highway exit at 10pm, lowered their tire PSI (what?!), and spent the next three and a half hours off-roading through the desert. Not exactly the “pay 20 bucks reserved site with a parking spot and pre-made fire pit” kind of camping. Not only was this some of the most fun that either one of them had ever had but it meant they opened their tent the next morning to an incredible canyon view that they will remember forever. The next day and night were spent traveling and enjoying a beautiful area of the White Wash Sand Dunes. In the morning, Kayla and Dave both woke up early, hiked up a sand dune and ate breakfast together. Looking back, it was one of the best memories of their relationship and the moment that Kayla knew she would be with Dave forever.

Engagement In the middle of December, Dave heard that there would be a major meteor shower in the area. Dave set up the back of his truck with a mattress, pillows, and blankets. They both bundled up in SO many layers (it was 19 degrees) and drove out onto a cattle ranch away from any lights. About 30 minutes into the shower, Kayla commented that “between the stars, the cows, and you being here with me, this is the perfect night.” Dave already had the ring in his hand.