Madie, returning to Salt Lake from sunny San Diego, landed a new job at Rye Diner in 2014. Her first task? Napkin duty. And who's there to guide her? The one and only Colton, armed with dad jokes and enough questions to fill a trivia night. Madie's instant thought: "I've got to keep this guy around." For eight months, they were the quintessential work besties. Madie conveniently offered Colton rides home—just because, which morphed into after-work drinks, late-night chats, and dancing at local shows. Then, at her birthday party, the truth spilled like an overfilled margarita: She had a massive crush on Colton. The good news? He was harboring the same secret. Cue the hilariously awkward phase of early dating: the agonizing wait for text replies, the 'playing it cool' charade, and all the other classic quirks of 20-something love. No matter the twists and turns along the way, one thing remained true: they were always best friends. Post-Rye, they dove headfirst into the restaurant life, embraced downtown living, and built a cozy little nest of laughter and home-cooked meals. Then, wanderlust hit. Exploring nearby cities, camping trips, and a Christmas in Mexico, they found their way to their biggest project yet: converting an empty cargo van into their dream tiny home-on-wheels. For two and a half years, they lived on the road, chasing sunsets and crafting unforgettable memories. Their journey took them from wintering in San Diego to epic road trips across the South and up the East Coast, with a particularly cherished chapter in Vermont. Along the way, they made foodie pilgrimages to cities like Austin, New Orleans, Asheville, Chicago, Montreal, and a mandatory stop at Matty Matheson's 'Rizzo’s' in Fort Erie, Ontario. After a holiday reset with family, they ventured back out, landing in Sedona. It was there, amidst the tranquil red rock scenery, that Colton popped the question. Their next big adventure was a long-time dream: conquering Highway 1, from Southern California to Northern Washington. A magical summer filled with the towering redwoods, the crashing waves and salty air of surf towns, and the damp, earthy smell of the rainforests—they tackled it all, solidifying their 'we can handle anything' status. Now, back in their beloved Marmalade neighborhood, they've traded the van for a real house—hot showers and running toilets, a welcome change! More importantly, they're thrilled to be home with family and friends, nestled between the mountains. And they've welcomed Clementine the cat. They're happiest with good food, tasty craft beer, outdoor adventures, and cozy nights in. Sunday 'date days' mean chores, Costco runs, exploring local breweries, and dinners at home with a movie. They're excited to continue building a life in Salt Lake City—with dreams of owning a house and a business—and while the van's ready for future adventures, they're excited to see what this next chapter holds as they settle down. Ten years, countless miles, and a whole lot of love later, they know: life's better together. Whether it's building a home on wheels, navigating cities, or just figuring out dinner, they're a team. And they can't wait to celebrate with all of you!