Cheers to the Future

The "first date" is a bit up for debate. If you ask Kyle, he might say it was the one where he planned every moment. The one where he made the effort to take Kenji up to flagstaff for a sunset lookout, set up time for a romantic drive, and then made a stop at 'Sweet Cow' for dessert. However, if you ask Kenji, she might say it was the "hang out" before that date. This event occurred right after the two had realized at the same time over Snapchat that they might actually like each other. Immediate plans were made to hang out the next day. From an outside perspective, said hang out was pretty basic, filled with playing some music together, tons of chatting and laughing, and a tinge of awkwardness as they both tried to figure out if the other was ok with a hug goodbye, or if they both secretly wanted to keep hanging out. This ultimately led to them deciding to go to the park instead of parting ways. In Kenji's mind, this is the moment the hang out turned into a first date. The two of them laid out a picnic blanket in the middle of the grass in an empty Roosevelt Park, and looked up at the early night sky while talking about life. Of course, Kyle brought his guitar, creating both a cute and cringy moment while Kenji tried to figure out what you do with yourself while someone sings at you. (Yep, they had a Ken playing at Barbie-moment). The night ended with more laughing and a slightly less awkward hug goodbye. It was the first of many dates to follow.

As a couple, Kenji and Kyle have had many adventures together. From small picnics in the park to road- tripping to the Grand Canyon, their journey as been filled with incredible moments. One moment of which will be imprinted in their minds and souls forever. On September 30th, 2023 the couple took a trip to Telluride Colorado. In the beautiful fall colors of aspen trees, they enjoyed running around the town, trying food, and marveling at the mixes of greens, yellows, and oranges. They also hiked up to Bear Creek Falls. On their journey to see the waterfall at the top of the trail, the captured photo after photo of the changing trees as one season melted into another. Kyle tried to maintain a steady and fairly quick pace as the two hiked up the mountain. The only thing was that Kenji kept dragging her feet. This was a classic case of the couple having two different goals. Kenji wanted to stop and take in every beautiful thing they came across. She collected leaves from the ground, stopped to stare at a tree, and took as many photos as she could, wanting to soak up the light peaking through the branches. While Kyle, who definitely loved the colors, light and leaves and all that, had a slightly bigger goal. And he had to keep it to himself for just a little bit longer - if only Kenji would pick up the pace. Kenji knew that Kyle had planned an outfit and a couple photo spots for them to visit later in the afternoon, so was not feeling the same anxious desire to get to the waterfall at the top of the hike. 'He's obviously irritated right now, so he's not going to pop the question on this hike. If it's even today.' Kenji told herself. Once they finally reached the top, it all became clear. The view was amazing! No wonder Kyle wanted to reach the top while it was still morning. The light pouring over the scenery was stunning, and the mountain would've cast a shadow over everything if they had gotten there later. The two of them sat on top of a rock, watching people arrive and leave the site, taking in the epic view. The waterfall overlooked a stunning valley below. Kyle set up a tripod to take a timelapse of the scene, while Kenji watched. After capturing the time-lapse, Kyle moved the tripod to take a few pictures of them by the waterfall, and Kenji quickly fixed her hair just in case. They posed and tried not to slide off the slick rocks near the water. Kenji thought 'what if its now?! No he wouldn't want to kneel down in the water like this.' Her heart jumped as Kyle slightly pulled away and looked down at the rocks. But then he came back in to take another picture. 'Just adjusting his footing I guess' Kenji thought. Then all at once, Kyle was on one knee, and Kenji was watching him propose to her! Watching - not listening because 1. She was so shocked she couldn't focus on anything but his face, and 2. the waterfall was so loud she couldn't hear anything anyway. She just knew he was forming the words "Will you marry me?" and she was nodding her head yes. Oh shoot, she was supposed to say something! She quickly mumbled an "uh-huh" in agreement, and then realized she should probably use real words. "YES!" she yelled over the waterfall. While they hugged and kissed, they heard cheering from the right of them. It was a group of hikers clapping as they realized that there was a newly engaged couple just a few feet away.

As this couple look forward to the future, they rest assured in the foundation that they have created for their relationship. With every happy moment and through every struggle they have faced together, they have grown stronger in their love. They look forward to celebrating this love with you on one of the most important days of their lives, and hope you enjoy this special time full of fun, laughter, and joy! "See you on the dance floor!" - Kenji & Kyle -