We're Getting Married!

Marin and Kelsey matched on the dating app Hinge in the early summer of 2020; right in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. They kissed at the end of their first date and nothing could compare after that. A few more dates, long, long text messages to each other, and as the year 2020 was in general, it wasn't quite the time yet to put a label on their relationship. However, after a year of personal growth for the both of them, graduating from Utah Valley University, and never truly out of touch, the two set up a date again in September 2021 at Seabird: a modern bar in Draper, Utah. After another 4 hour date of non stop talking, and another kiss goodbye, the rest was history.

They made Thursdays their date nights, and the weekends were inseparable. Museum dates, walks through the park, mini golfing, movies, drives, dinners, the list goes on. They spent many weekend nights over at each other’s houses, and swapping back and forth sleepovers. Kelsey and Marin still keep a notebook of all their dates and special occasions that have happened to them. Holidays, family gatherings, vacations, life events, etc. Together they have traveled to Las Vegas, South Carolina, Disneyland, and so many other places for quick weekend getaways.

After getting comfortable with both of their families, and growing more in their relationship, Kelsey and Marin moved in together to a cute two-bedroom apartment in Lehi, Utah in July of 2022. Which, coincidentally, is right next to the Macey’s Grocery Store where they met up on their first date. Apartment life has treated them well. They have inside jokes about their neighbors and assumptions about them, such as The LOUD stompers above them, the "booty calls" they catch at 11pm, and all the pet friends they see on the balconies, but hey, that's apartment life. They have a pool and a gym, and their package room is always a favorite for Amazon packages. They have a wagon that is a lifesaver for their groceries. They live roughly 20 minutes away from both sides of their family. Perfect enough for growth but still close enough for a get together.

In 2023, the two really started to talk about their future together. Talking about getting engaged, looking at rings, and daydreaming about weddings. After a trip to Disneyland in March of 2023, Kelsey decided with her mom that their next trip to Disneyland that year will be their engagement trip. She was going to take that leap. Kelsey bought their rings together and started letting people in their inner circle know about the plan, she got Marin’s parents/family’s permission, and the plan began in full swing. If you know anything about Kelsey, you know she cannot keep a secret, so keeping this secret from her best friend, who she lived with, was a tough one! But, on June 2, 2023 she got down on one knee at Traverse Ridge Lookout in Draper, where they first said “I love you” to each other. And Marin said YES! She even did a switch and asked Kelsey to marry her too! The following weekend they gathered all their close family and friends for a "Taco 'bout Love" engagement party! It was a hit and the two cannot believe how incredibly loved they are.

If you even slightly know Marin or Kelsey, you most definitely know about their love for Disneyland. That was something they bonded over most when they first met. On their dating profiles they both had a picture of themselves standing next to Westward Ho on Main Street USA. (aka an immediate Swipe-Right) Their first trip to Disneyland together was in December 2022 for a Taylor-Family Christmas tradition! Because Kelsey used to work at the Happiest Place on Earth during her Disney College Program in 2019, she knows many secrets that she was able to woe even the noblest of fans, like Marin's family. Kelsey still believes she has some "cast member magic" left, and tries to make their visits as magical as possible. Like getting her and Marin a special dinner and firework viewing for the Christmas Fireworks. In 2023 the couple got Magic Keys (or Annual Passes) to Disneyland! And they are surely making sure they do not go to waste. In March 2023, an all-girls trip of 8 girls, they got access to the special "hidden" room at Lamplight Lounge! In June 2023, their engagement trip, the two attended Pride Nite, a special limited ticketed event to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride and love! It was truly magical to see Disneyland in a new light and environment where they felt truly accepted and celebrated for their new engagement. In September 2023 they were lucky enough to attend Oogie Boogie Bash! A special ticketed Halloween event that is NOT to be missed. During this special trip they celebrated Marin's 30th birthday and also took a trip up to LA to see Ed Sheeran in concert! In 2024 the two went on a Disney trip with Kelsey's parents in January! January is a wet season in California, so they got drizzled on by the rain, but that doesn't stop them from magic. Their last trip using their annual passes was in February with Marin's family one more time. Marin's niece Lennon was tall enough to ride majority of the Big Kid rides! She was quite brave for a three-year-old, but she has the love for Disney in her blood. They got to stay in the newly remodeled/renovated Pixar Place Hotel and had a great time! So many memories have been made at Disneyland, and they plan on making more in the future.

Kelsey and Marin have lots of goals for their future together. Travels, pets, homes, children, and everything else in between. "The future is so bright you can hardly see it," and that's what their motto is! Life will have its ups and downs, its challenges, road blocks and revelations, but they're ready to do it all together. That's what marriage is all about: Growing and learning together with your partner through life.