From neighborhood friends, through mountains climbed, to an unforgettable proposal – we've had quite the journey. As we look ahead, we invite you to join us in retracing the steps we've taken together and celebrate the milestones that make us who we are today.

Andrew's Recollection When I was twelve years old, my life took an unexpected turn. Jason, my best friend, moved in two houses down from me. This was incredible news that resulted in us hanging out together almost every single day for years to come. However, at the time, I was unaware of just how impactful this event would be on my life. I thought that having my best friend just a shouting distance away was an unmatched bit of serendipity, but I had no idea of what was to come. A couple of years later, Jason’s parents rented their upstairs apartment to a woman and her two children, one of whom would later become my future life partner. Alyssa and Michael were both around our age and so we all began to hang out more often. As young teenage boys, we weren’t always welcoming when Alyssa tried to hang with us. We were too naive to see the incredibly smart, funny and passionate person that she was, which could have added some much needed depth to our friend group. Over the years, Alyssa and I started to grow closer and my eyes finally opened to this gem who had been standing right in front of me the whole time. She was different. Her blend of intelligence, beauty and playfulness was unlike anyone I had ever met. From there our relationship began to blossom and I wanted to share with her things that I held close to my heart. Alyssa’s Recollection Our story has humble, everyday roots. When I moved to a new neighborhood, I couldn't help but notice Andrew, the cute boy next door. Although my feelings developed quickly, his realization was more gradual. Day by day, we transitioned from being just neighbors to good friends, unknowingly nurturing a love story in our countless chats on his front steps and shared laughter in Jason's backyard. Andrew had this distinctive and infectious laugh. Not his polite laugh, the kind everyone has, but a raw, genuine one that surfaced when he found something sincerely hilarious. It was so genuine and contagious that I couldn’t help but be drawn to him. Like the intricate roots of a tree, our relationship was something that strengthened slowly, silently, and unobserved. Over time, it became our rock, holding us steady and supporting us through everything.

Andrew's Experience As a child, I spent many years hiking and camping with my parents in the Adirondacks. It was a place I loved and had many fond memories. Having not been there in a long time, I wanted to take Alyssa and share this place with her that was so special to me. Despite our first trip not being the best hiking experience one could hope for, we set a lofty goal - hiking all 46 high peaks together. We were hiking mountains with both body and mind, overcoming obstacles, supporting each other when the path was difficult and relishing in the joy of reaching the summit. Each peak completed was a victory that empowered our relationship and made us realize that we could handle anything that life could throw at us as long as we were together. Alyssa's Experience Throughout the years, we’ve shared countless adventures together. From venturing international streets to carving our own little corner of the world. We’ve grown and celebrated each other, one outing at a time. But nothing holds a candle to the Adirondacks. As we traversed these mountains, scaling the 46 high peaks over a span of seven years, our relationship evolved and strengthened. This resilient mountain range bore witness to our shared adventures. We grew together through every climb and descent, reinforcing our bond with each step. Nothing, though, could compare to our final hike, as we marked the end of this significant chapter of our lives.

Andrew's Memory Our Adirondacks adventure came to a head as we embarked on our last trek, with 45 peaks behind us and just one to go. It was an incredible journey both on the trail and in our everyday lives and I knew I was ready to take the next step in our relationship. I decided to propose to Alyssa on the top of our final peak. We had a beautiful day for the hike with clear skies and had amazing views at the top. The cherry on top of our elation and accomplishment was that she said yes! Alyssa’s Memory At the top of Mount Colden—the last of the 46 peaks—we sensed a significant shift. Our shared goal, a testament to our teamwork and mutual support, was finally achieved. Sitting on the summit ledge, facing Algonquin, the peak where our journey began, Andrew brought out a box from his pack. With the ring in his hand, he told me that I was the light of his life. This proposal embodied more than a simple question—it marked the end of one part of our lives and the exciting beginning of another. Our hiking journeys had prepared us for this milestone. Like our hikes, we knew our future would hold ups, downs, challenges, and victories. And we knew we would navigate all of it—together.

Our bond has always been about balance, supporting each other through everything - our personal identities, shared goals, hurdles, and even our contentment. We strive to uplift one another in what makes us each happy, both together and independently. Marking this new journey, we're heading back to where it all started. You're invited to join us on August 31, 2024, at The Bark Eater Inn in Keene, NY, right in the heart of the Adirondacks. It's the perfect place to embark on the next chapter of our lives together, deeply resonant with our shared past and promising of many more adventures to come.