Jake and Maddie first met when they were in Middle School. From the very beginning, Jake was infatuated with her and knew she was the one, but Maddie had not yet come to her senses. High School rolled around and the two began a very deep friendship that lasted for three years. During this time they shared almost everything with one another and were there through life's ups and downs. It was not until the end of Junior year that Maddie started to catch the same feelings for Jake and a relationship was born. Soon enough they were going on dates and had made it official, both deeply falling in love. A short five years later, the two would get engaged, having gone through a long distance relationship, graduation and shifting into their careers, but through it all their love never faltered.

Their five year anniversary was rolling around so Jake and Maddie decided to head to Steamboat Springs to celebrate on Friday September 7th. Jake proceeded to take Maddie to an incredible 13 course dinner that night at a small bed and breakfast type restaurant. The next morning the two of them woke up bright and early to get ready for a hot air balloon ride. Upon arrival they met a couple on their honeymoon and a wonderful crew. While Maddie took pictures from a distance, Jake slyly went up to the couple, told them that he was going to propose and asked them to take photos. Once in the sky, they looked out at the most beautiful view of the Yampa Valley. As the captain shouted out, "we are nearing the highest distance over the valley" Jake got down on one knee and proposed. With a ring on her finger and the balloon floating back down to the ground, another surprised was waiting. Unannounced to Maddie, both families were waiting at the landing site to celebrate. Afterwards, both sides of the family went to an early brunch, took pictures at Fish Creek Falls and ended it all off with whiskey cakes and a dinner celebration. Overall, it was the perfect weekend for an engagement!

Dear Madison, Since the day I first met you, I knew that there was something special about you that I could not put my finger on. But over the last 5+ years I have been blessed to experience first hand what it is. You are the most caring and loving person I have ever met and I do not know where I would be in life without you. You support me and have been there with me through some of the hardest times and frankly I would be lost without you. You have shown me what it means to truly love someone and are always my rock. I am the luckiest man alive to be able to marry you and will never take this for granted. Cheers to the rest of our lives together! James _ Dear James, I can not wait to marry you. Our wedding day will be one of the best days of our lives, but I am even more excited for our future and being your wife. I am unconditionally, without a doubt in love with you. From the moment we became friends you have surprised me, distracted me, captivated me and challenged me like no one else has. And you have continued to do it since. Thank you for always pushing me to be better. Thank you for having my back. Thank you for loving me and looking at me the way you do. Thank you for not giving up. Life isn’t easy, but I get to live and conquer it with you. I promise to continue to keep you on your toes and eat all of your fries. I am counting down the days till we say I do and forever. I love you best friend. Madison