Laurel's parents introduced us in April of 2023. We had a great hike and dinner together with the family but didn't pursue anything at the time.

Laurel had recently gotten back on Strava and saw Daniel as a suggested friend. She added him randomly saying to herself "He probably does some cool things." Strava had just recently created a direct message feature on the app, so Daniel took the opportunity to responded to her request and proceeded toward a friendly greeting and hello to her. A week later, Daniel invited her to join them on the Cascade Lakes Relay. Laurel said yes, and they proceeded to spend 40 hours straight together with Daniel driving and Laurel riding shotgun the whole relay. At the end of the relay, Daniel asked Laurel out for a date! Our first date was June 29, 2024 :)

First date was a hike to Sunrise Peak and Jumbo Peak in the Dark Divide, along with a picnic at Takalakh Lake. 4th of July weekend was spent together, along with several other weekends that followed. An Enchantments thru-hike and weekly meet ups in the Columbia River Gorge were highlights as well.

Many runs, ski days, bike rides, hikes, family hangouts, board games, and songs sung later, Daniel and Laurel started the conversation of marriage together.

On the first meetup between Daniel's parents and Laurel's parents at a hike at Catherine Creek, Daniel dropped down on one knee and said "Will you marry me?". Laurel responded "Oh my goodness. Yes, of course!"

The start of the rest of our lives together as a married couple! Praise God! This day is the beginning of our marriage covenant with one another before God and a crowd of witnesses. However, this day is just the beginning. The best is yet to come!