Mark and I met in a way I never thought I’d meet someone. I was fresh out of college, working at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and trying to figure out what to do with my life. Mark had just recently been stationed at Fort Carson and was beginning to explore Colorado Springs. I’m not sure if either one of us was really looking or ready to get in a serious relationship. Mark saw my profile on a dating site (you know the one) and I’m not sure what about me attracted him, but he started following me on some of my social media accounts. I didn’t make it easy for him though; I was too shy to meet him and I said “no” and stood him up so many times that he almost gave up on me. But something told him to ask me out one more time and something finally gave me the courage to say “yes.” It was meant to be. I let him visit me on my lunch break at the zoo and I didn’t know what to think about him at first; he drove up in a big black truck, was wearing aviator sunglasses, and was covered in tattoos - definitely not my typical type. But he brought me flowers and sushi (very good move) and his charming smile quickly won me over. I agreed to let him take me on a real date and things slowly fell into place after that. We have experienced so much together. I’ve tried to put the amazing feeling of growing and changing with Mark into words and just can’t seem to find an adequate way to do it. He is so good to me and good for me. I can’t believe I found someone that so perfectly fits my being. What I can say is that we are excited to have committed a lifetime of “together” and we are so honored to have you celebrate with us!

Mark’s proposal was a complete surprise and everything I had dreamed it would be. On a hike to Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Mark asked someone to take our photo. But instead of looking at the camera, Mark kept looking at me and asking me to kiss him. Just like the start of our relationship, I wasn't going to make this easy for him; extremely conscious of our cameraman, I kept refusing and telling Mark to let the guy take our photo so we could all get on with our hike. Finally, Mark said, “No, Maggie, look at me.” I turned to find him on one knee.