What brought us together? Beer. Well kind of, truthfully it was a dating app called Hinge (surprise! They do really work sometimes). After texting for forever (actually-only a day or two) Sean asked Mackenzii to meet in person. They decided to meet at New Terrain Brewery even though Sean was a bit against overpriced suds that more closely resemble carbonated pine needle water (IPAs) than actual beer. They met and talked about things to do in Colorado, college athletics, houses, future coaching and beer. Admittingly, Sean liked the beer and really enjoyed the company, resulting in drinking way too much. Better yet, Mac had to go play an indoor soccer game right after. Let's just say, she kept getting in the way of both teams that game... On the second date, October 31st, 2019, the real connection was made. Sean, being up in Denver for another training, met Mac at a hole in the wall bar in his “business casual attire”. This is a rare look for Sean as I’m sure all of you are aware and was a bit of a red flag for Mac (rightfully so). They proceeded to have a good time at a bar conversing until she challenged him to a game of pool. This was when another attribute of the two began to show - COMPETITIVENESS. If you ask either one today, they will both tell you that they won. But Mac being a bit of a pool shark learning the ropes from her father, Al, might have the edge as far as believability. (She also wrote this last line). The two finished up a couple games before Mac, keen on showing this well-dressed Midwesterner a few more losses, recommended Ace Ping-Pong Bar, which was only a few blocks away. A few more hours pass with knocked over drinks, losses made by both of them, the two found themselves near final call, until they decided to go trick-or-treating! They made their way around Denver knocking on the doors of houses still up partying. They scored a Tequila shooter, bottled water and 3 pieces of candy. They finally rested at the top of an exterior stairwell overlooking the city where they talked about the complexities of life, their love for adventure and meaning (First sign of love - Drunk and Deep Conversation). Now at 3AM, the two began the trek back to Sean’s truck which had Mackenzii's keys in it. Once they arrived, Sean quickly realized that he had been separated from his keys somewhere in the night. They retraced their steps several times and had no luck. Mackenzii waited there with Sean while he paid someone to break into his car to unlock it and make a key. The two reveled in the misadventure and that is where life really started to take off.

The day before, Sean asked Mackenzii if they could go ski Loveland Pass on Saturday since it's been a few weeks since they've skied together. She was of course down, especially since Thea could join. Sean told Mac that he was going to bring his film camera, because there was a shot he's been wanting to take up at the top for a while now. (What will soon be the best shot). Mac thought nothing of it, since he always has his film camera on him. As they got to the top, Sean told Mac to look out into the valley. She then turned around to find Sean on one knee, film camera in one hand, and holding the most beautiful, unique ring in the other. “Mackenzii will you marry me?” In total shock, Mac said YES! Still jittery with excitement, they shredded down the mountain, only to find some of Mac’s favorite people who traveled from all over including across multiple state lines, to celebrate with them at the bottom of the pass. Mac is not a crier, but cried more than once that day. They tailgated, and took a bunch of rides on the pass with friends and family. Mac even asked Sean if they could just get married right then and there, but he said no…for good reason though, he wanted his full family there. Later that night, they headed to one of their favorite dive bars, Morrison Holiday Bar, and she was surprised again by finding even more of their friends and family waiting there. The best day ended in the best way, listening to live music, drinking, and socializing with some of the best people. Sean did goooooood!!