By: Justis Technically the first time we met was in kindergarten. We don’t remember much, but we like to think we were best friends back then too. Our real first memory together was in 8th grade. Sarah’s mom Max introduced her adorable, green-eyed daughter and my dad, Henri introduced this curly, mop of hair with a kid underneath it. Shortly after our first meeting, we attended Judge Memorial High School. With no date, and sweaty hands, I got the courage to ask way-out-of-my-league Sarah VanCouwenberghe to Homecoming Freshmen year (It was a continuing trend since we went to every dance together) and we dated throughout High School to our Senior Year. After High School we parted ways for a short while but ended back together our Senior Year of College. Since College, it has been road trips, camping trips and as many adventures as possible. My attempt to carefully plan a trip typically loses out to Sarah’s more spontaneous, “winging it” type of personality (ask her about the time we got stuck sleeping in the car). Anyway, these days, you can find us in our new home in Murray, Utah getting attacked by our little monster, I mean puppy, Nell. We have many exciting roads ahead and I am sure excited about getting to do them together.

By: Sarah On August 8th, 2020, we went to the Uinta Mountains to camp at one of my favorite spots. I was excited since my whole family, including my grandparents, were able to come. We hiked up to the top of an overlook with views of nearby lakes and surrounding pine trees. I asked Justis to take a photo with me, but he was dragging his feet and wanted to wait for my parents to get there. Finally, he got up and my family started taking a ton of videos and pictures. But it was a beautiful view, so why wouldn’t they? My cousin Josh positioned both of us for the photo. I turned around, struck my pose and then I saw Justis on one knee. I was shocked!! And so excited I almost knocked him to the ground. I said YES! while my family watched and took photos. It was perfectly orchestrated and I had no clue it was going to happen. My Dad carried champagne all the way up the mountain (He’s the real MVP), along with plastic glasses, so we could toast after. We got back to camp, and my Grandparents turned our campsite into a cute little reception. They brought up decorations, lights, bubbles, cheesecake and made a charcuterie board. We finished off the evening with tri-tip made on the fire, more champagne and s'mores. I found out later that Justis had the ring since March (delayed by the pandemic) and both families knew the whole time. It was perfect and fit us so well. I am so excited to start this new chapter with him!