We ignored the "never date a coworker" rule! Working separate shifts at an assisted living facility, we often only crossed paths during a 15 minute shift change. But it was enough to spark friendship. After over a year of forging a friendly relationship, Hunter let the cat out of the bag on Halloween night of 2017 that he was interested in more. Curious, but afraid to lose the friendship, we planned to go on one date as a test drive. It was a bit of a fiasco, lol! But there was something about the way we counterbalanced each other.... It made all the sense in the world, and also not much sense at all. We decided to take the plunge and basically said, "If we're doing this, we're giving it everything we've got." Spoiler alert.... It was worth the jump. 4 years later, we can confidently say: Sometimes it pays to kiss a coworker.

There's a spot in Madison Buffalo Jump State Park that overlooks a valley where multiple rivers merge. Mountains in every direction, stunning green fields in the summer, and the biggest chunk of sky you've ever seen. We went there when we started dating because it became one of my (M) favorite places in the world when I discovered it alone one day on a road trip during freshman year. You can stand on the edge of a cliff where everything you see is vibrant green and blue in the spring, or dusted with snow in the winter. It was here that Hunter popped the easiest question I've ever been asked. It couldn't have been a more perfect setting to kick off the rest of our lives!

Hunter grew up around Helena, and there is no doubt about it... he's definitely a Montana boy. You can bet all your money that if it's done outdoors, he'll probably love it. He grew up a middle child with two sisters and incredible women in his life, so MacKenzie's strong personality has never phased him... thank God! Throughout high school you could find Hunter running cross country, playing tennis, having a good time in the welding shop, or messing around with his posse of bros. He has gone on to Montana State University to receive his bachelor's degree in Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology, which he completed in May of 2022. His favorite activities these days include hunting, rockhounding, any project involving a Dremel, sharing a craft beer with friends, giving Scout too much attention, playfully bickering with MacKenzie, and getting his butt kicked in darts and billiards.

MacKenzie grew up outside of Seattle, though she's definitely become a Montana hybrid. The oldest of 4 kids, it's a shock to no one that she's headstrong and feisty (God bless Hunter's patience). Throughout high school you could find MacKenzie laser-focused on school, nannying, crafting, playing with the two baby siblings, and spending time with a close-knit group of friends. After her family moved to Kalispell in 2015, she went on to Montana State University to receive her bachelor's degree in Microbiology and Medical Lab Science, which she completed December of 2021. She is now self-employed and health coaching, so she's enjoying the freedom to take last minute trips with her family and tag along on Hunter's excursions. :) Her favorite activities these days include thrifting, crafting, keeping Hunter alive by any means necessary, cooking, sending memes to the chosen few, cleaning (yes, she's weird like that), and curling up with a glass of red wine and a comedy show... oh yeah, she's a total plant freak too, and is well on her way to living in a jungle of her own creation. The dream!!!