Welcome to Our Next Chapter...

As with many a modern love story, Andrew & Montessa met online. Bumble only allowed a radius of 100 miles, and they just happened to be within the radius one day when they came across each other’s profiles. Andrew swiped first, and was just about to use his "Super Swipe" (would let Montessa know he was *very* interested in meeting her) when the notification came through that Montessa, too, had "swiped right" and matched with him. The first month was full of talking whenever they could between work and school, hours-long phone and video calls, talking about goals, past experiences, and dreams.

The first time Andrew and Montessa met in person was after a month after they connected online and began texting and video-chatting. The date wasn't fancy but it was perfectly enjoyable anyway. They met up at the Salem Center Mall, where they spent a few hours window shopping and having lunch together. When they saw each other for the first time, Andrew enveloped Montessa in the biggest hug she'd ever had, and it felt like home. They then went to Bush's Pasture Park where they walked, talked, played on the swings, and kept an eye out for the resident "angry owl". They then went their separate ways for the evening until they could see each other again, a few weeks later, while talking almost daily in the meantime.

Through their relationship the pair has spent time camping during the summers, spent Christmas, 2019 in Mexico, and so many lovely trips to the beach--one of their favorite places to spend a weekend. Montessa and Andrew stayed long-distance until 2020 when the lockdown forced Montessa's nursing classes online and allowed her to move to Portland with Andrew to start their new adventure together. Two moves, almost a year in the fifth-wheel they renovated, three kitties, and a 2022 home purchase later, Andrew & Montessa are excited to be starting another new chapter together with their marriage.

The couple took a long weekend trip to Bend while Montessa was between school terms. On Friday morning Andrew & Montessa had a lovely riverfront breakfast at their hotel and then left for a little hike at Smith Rock. Montessa noticed Andrew was pretty quiet on the drive but couldn’t figure out why…. After walking for a little while, they stopped for a photo-op with their Polaroid. Montessa took Andrew’s photo but when she asked to take a photo together, he insisted that he take her photo first. Andrew was trying to figure out the camera exposure while simultaneously digging around in his pocket with the other hand. Montessa realized what was likely happening and couldn’t keep herself from giggling like a little girl as Andrew got down on his knee, still looking through the camera. Somehow, between asking the big question, holding the camera, and shaking as he held out the ring in front him, he managed to snap a photo of Montessa AND the ring in the same picture. They later celebrated over dinner and with a night out in Bend before returning home a couple of days later.

Montessa and Andrew chose their forested venue based on their enjoyment of hiking and spending time in the woods and its relatively central location for each of their families and groups of friends. The venue is quiet, peaceful, and when the sun goes down and the lights in the trees come on, it feels magical. Montessa was certainly a little girl with big dreams of her wedding day and many ideas over the years. The big day will be full of rich colors, whimsical details, great music, fabulous food, and a whole lotta love. We are so excited for you to spend this big day with us. A+M