We're getting married!

We first met in Bellingham on the WWU campus before classes began. We struck up a conversation that lasted for hours, then days, then weeks - needless to say, we quickly realized that we were meant to play a significant role in each others' lives. We spent the holidays together that year and came together so naturally that we didn't realize (or, at least, admit to ourselves) that we had grown into a couple until early 2012. While we went our separate ways for a while in 2014, we came back together as friends two years - and a lot of growing up - later, meeting up for a hike at Poo Poo Point. This new beginning led us on a unique journey as close friends before a new, stronger, relationship began to take root during a 2017 renovation project that would make us realize that while we annoyed and frustrated each other, we also deeply respected and loved one another. That love grew and evolved each day, leading us here. We know it will only continue to do so as we embark into life's next chapters!

It was a hot, slightly humid summer day as Arianna and I hiked up a long trail toward Upper Lewis Falls. The path took us through slightly precarious hillsides to the middle of the forest. It was the final waterfall, beautiful and awesome, that I decided would be a great place to propose. This proposal was not scripted. I figured that life rarely goes according to plan and I was not going to waste time brainstorming some masterful proposal. I just rolled with whatever happened. We ended up hanging out by the edge of the waterfall, near where it struck the water, and conversed about life. Unbeknownst to her, I was keeping an eye on the people around us, as we were not the only ones there, to see if they would leave. Arianna told me a long time ago that she wanted any proposal to be private. Unfortunately, as one group would leave, another would arrive. I never got the chance to propose at the waterfall as I intended. Instead, we ended up leaving and laying down in a fairly private area next to a stream that flowed from the waterfall. The waterfall could still be seen, albeit more covered by foliage. The sunshine reflected off the water and shown through the trees as I finally struck up a conversation about our relationship. I eventually arrived at…” I think it is time to make this official” and pulled out the ring. I said some other (hopefully romantic) things and eventually asked “Will you be my wife?” She teared up a bit and said “Yes, of course I will be your wife.” I put the ring on her finger.