“Webster’s dictionary defines wedding as; the fusing of two metals with a hot torch.”- Michael Scott

The meeting of Santiago and Smash was less chance and more a matter of time. It just so happened to be in Feburary of 2014 at a recruitment trip for SkiBama (if you know, you know). Saying it was love at first sight would not be a particularly honest assessment, however appeal and facination were undoubtidly present. Smash was a sophomore at UA, and Santi was an eager senior in high school, attempting to decide where he would spend the next 4+ years of his life. At that time, and a defining moment in their relationship, Smashley described her experience in the South as being one of important learning, liberation into freedom, and nothing short of the most uplifting experience she could ever invision for herself. It was with that reasoning, (and a full ride scholarship) that Santi would find himself on Bama territory in the fall. During that next year and a half they developed a friendship based on whimsy, affinity for laughter, and countless common interests. They quickly became one another’s favorite person to spend time with, on and off the water. The rest of this love story is quirky, slow (or patient if you want to call it that), but essentially it is two people with a strong liking for one another that eventually let fear subside to join in caring for one another. There are a few core qualities that remain at the root of their relationship: 1. SKIING DUH 2. The sweet pups 3. The Office -if you know this couple you know it’s true. -“Over the years I’ve spent a lot of time surviving, learning, growing, and trying to be the best I can be. As so many of these moments have been challenging, I just can’t help but feel so mistified by Santi’s love for me and willingness to not only be my partner in this life, but keep me strong and smiling along the way. I really don’t think there is any greater gift then that.” -Smash

Although our paths almost crossed multiple times years before we met, Smash and I first met at my first collegiate ski recruitment weekend at the University of Alabama and became very good friends through my freshman year at school. We found that aside from being the only two western skiers on the team, we also shared many common interests, enjoyed the same music, had the same passion for skiing. Pretty soon, I found myself asking her if she wanted to go ski at the lake on a regular basis, sharing spotify playlists with her, and enjoying spending time with her more than anyone else around. We started dating my sophomore fall after collegiate nationals in Houston, TX, where we were each other’s hype-up man/woman before skiing! She helped me expand on my cuisine skills, gave me too many rides to count, but more importantly, she showed me how to squeeze every last drop out of life. We navigated the next five years together, both growing as people for everyone around us and each other. We were there for each other as we graduated from undergrad and graduate school, looked for jobs, and adjusted to our new adult life together with our two amazing pups Lilo and Luka. I have grown every day I have been with Smash, and I can’t wait to do it every day for the rest of our lives.