Like all great modern love stories, ours began with a Tinder match in August 2020, a true pandemic-era romance. Jeff had just moved to Denver to start his master’s program, and Marty was heading into the final year of his own. After some quality back-and-forth banter, aka Jeff trying to impress Marty with his wit, we finally planned our first date at Confluence Park in Denver. Marty, always prepared, brought shooters of whiskey. Jeff, showing a moment of responsibility, brought mixers (because balance is key). One thing led to another, and after months of adventures, deep talks, and realizing we both had a thing for good food and bad reality TV, it was clear we were pretty obsessed with each other. Fast forward to November 2020, and Marty decided it was time to make things official. On a cold, windy day in the Boulder foothills, we set up a cozy picnic in the back of Jeff’s Subaru. Nothing screams Colorado romance more than cuddling in the back of a Subaru. Marty asked Jeff to be his boyfriend, and he said yes! Over the last six years together, we have grown up side by side, made countless memories, and accomplished so much that we are proud of. We have traveled extensively, earned our master’s degrees, welcomed a beautiful and very sassy black cat into our lives and bought two houses. Marty became a licensed architect (with Jeff cheering him on every step of the way), and together we became uncles to two more little girls. Through it all, we have continued building a life that feels full of adventure, laughter, and love, and we know there is so much more ahead for us. In June 2024, we attended our friends Michael and Annie’s wedding in Sayulita, Mexico. The day after the wedding, our group spent the afternoon relaxing between the beach and the pool at an Airbnb. Marty casually asked Jeff if he wanted to walk down to the beach, unknowingly giving Jeff the perfect opportunity to put his plan into motion. While Marty played in the water completely unaware, Jeff nervously waited on the beach. After calling Marty back over, Marty finally noticed the ring box outline in Jeff’s pocket. Jeff got down on one knee and asked the biggest question of all, and Marty said yes.