They met while playing Catholic Sports Volleyball back in May 2023. At first introduction, they both knew that there was something very special about the other. They would both have a hard time forgetting that feeling in the weeks following. There was not much communication besides occasionally poking fun at each other, the not-so-subtle glances exchanged between them, and the mutual appreciation of each other's big smiles. After the initial game, Noelle did not show up the following weeks due to traveling (and unintentionally playing hard to get). She came to the last game of the season which was followed by a team celebration at the Denver Beer Co. Sean and Noelle both knew it was the last time they would see each other and wanted a chance to talk. Sean was convinced he was not leaving the brewery until he got Noelle's number. Inconveniently, the brewery was packed and they ended up sitting at opposite ends of the table. Noelle and Sean kept up their separate conversations while very distractedly and shyly making eye contact the entire time. The opportunity arose when a few in the group left, leaving open seating next to Sean. On impulse, Noelle slid over next to him and said "Hi! I haven't gotten the chance to talk to you.... let's chat". The response came with a great big smile, "So, what are your thoughts on Taylor Swift being in the Illuminati?" They immediately hit things off and two hours flew by of conspiracy theories, religion, likes/dislikes, talk of seed oils, and great dad jokes. Sean walked Noelle out to her car (rather, ran together through the pouring rain), asked for her number, and the rest was history. :)

Sean proposed to Noelle up at a very special bench that overlooks the surrounding city and landscape near her house. They spent many evenings on walks where they would stop at this specific bench and talk for hours into the night. Many smiles and tears were shared at this special overlook. Fast forward to Sunday, September 24th. After an evening mass, Sean decided to take Noelle on a sunset walk to propose. She unintentionally altered his plans by declaring she was starving on the drive home. They stopped for a fun dinner all the while Noelle had no idea about the ring box burning a hole in Sean's pocket. By the time they came to Noelle's house, they had missed the sunset. Sean still insisted they go for a night walk to inconspicuously "burn off the fajitas". They eventually made their way to the bench and sat in silence with Sean's arm around Noelle staring out at the twinkling lights below. After a bit, he asked what she wanted in life and envisioned for her future. Noelle replied, "Honestly, I want to grow old with you, Sean. I know we've talked about it before, but I want a happy and long life filled with ups and downs, many children, and most importantly for God to be the center of it". Sean replied, "Well, why don't I make that happen" and got down on one knee. With eyes welling up with tears he proceeded to say, "Noelle, I don't have anything planned to say. I just want to get your soul to Heaven. You are my person and I want to love you forever....will you do me the honor of being my wife?". Noelle immediately threw her arms around Sean with a big tearful "Yes"!