As most hospitality professionals, we met at work. Fortunately for us, that meant we were able to interact with each other every day! However, that wasn't the easiest as we decided to NOT tell our co-workers until our relationship had reached a certain level (honestly, no idea what "that level" actually was). It didn't take long for me to realize that Christina was the real deal. We laughed ALL the time. It wasn't long before we were already discussing moving to Colorado together. We started our new chapter together in Colorado in December of 2016. Together we embraced our new surroundings the only way we knew how, head first. I knew long before our big move that Christina was the one for me and she'd be in my life forever. I couldn't have asked for a better person to be sharing my life with! I remember the first time we met like it was yesterday. My first position at the hotel was at the front desk. I think it was an afternoon shift because it was pretty slow and I was really into whatever I was doing (great front desk agent) and then all of a sudden Chris was just standing in front of me with our HR Manager. She was doing a standard introduction to us as, " Chris, this is Christina she works here at the front desk", and "Christina, this is Chris, he's our new banquets coordinator". It was brief and short. I wouldn't say any turtle doves flew through the lobby or shooting stars flew by that night but I loved every moment and those few minutes will always be as clear as day. He looked so handsome in his suit, his eyes were so blue, and he had the cutest smile. After they walked away, I remember thinking about how I would say "hi" next time he walked through the lobby. Maybe, "heyyy" or just a "hi Chris!", or maybe a "how's it going?" I can't tell you how I ended up saying hi next time I saw him or when we actually had our first full conversation, but I will always remember that afternoon as the first time we met.

When we agreed to join our friends on a four day backpacking trip through Aspen, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves in to. I did know that I was going to propose to Christina during the hike. We certainly spent more time looking up the beautiful photos of the Maroon Bells 4 Pass Loop than physically preparing! We were joined by our two good friends from San Diego, Chad and Roxy, and two of my coworkers here in Denver, Brad and Casey. The plan was to propose on the first day once we summitted the first pass and experienced our first of four spectacular 360 degree views. After a grueling hike, I sat nervously at the top waiting for Christina and the rest of the team to join. Just as they reached the top it began to hail! After a quick photo-op (much to the dismay of Casey) we quickly scurried down the other side of the pass after seeing lightning in the distance. Plan ruined! However, after what seemed like 4 more hours of searching for a campsite in the cold, we finally made camp in the perfect spot. I found a quiet spot just far enough from camp to be alone overlooking the Pass we just conquered and the valley ahead. Up until this point I had not experienced any nervousness, but as I went to a knee, it hit me. The movie-worthy monologue I had prepared in my head disappeared. I barely had any words! Somehow I managed to utter a few words, but more importantly received the "yes" I had been waiting so long for. The next several days were equally as grueling and difficult but the thought of knowing I officially had my life partner made it all worth it!