Natalie and Ford first became aware of each other in a Spanish class at UW-Madison, though due to significant overlap in friend groups, they’d likely crossed paths several times before. After moving into the same apartment building following graduation and running into each other repeatedly, they decided to go out. One cute coffee date and one much less cute showing of The Revenant later, the compatibility proved undeniable. Even after yet another head-scratcher of a date-night film selection from Ford (this time, Beasts of No Nation), their budding relationship persevered, possibly because of the surprisingly well-crafted BLT he’d made to accompany the movie. That first sandwich of many marked a turning point for a cinematically impaired young suitor, and from that point on, their love continued to grow. Five years and many better dates later, Ford and Nat (and many of their friends) still laugh about some of their earliest moments together. They’ve been lucky enough to share many treasured memories, including skiing and hiking the gorgeous Colorado Rockies, summertime grill-outs with friends, and holidays and vacations with family.

If an impromptu trip to Arizona wasn’t enough to raise her suspicions of a proposal, the strange way he suggested they purchase a mini bottle of champagne for lunch on their hike cleared up any remaining doubt. Luckily, the stunning scenery of the Coconino National Forest distracted both Ford and Nat as they ascended Mt. Wilson. He finally popped the question and the mini bottle at the top while they marveled at the surrounding vista of red cliffs and pine trees. After hiking over to the other side of the plateau to see the city of Sedona from above, they descended back down to civilization to call and celebrate with family and friends.