We Tied the Knot!

You dream a long time about your wedding day--and it's not just you, but your family and friends who think about the day, too. Scott and I were very lucky to have our families surrounding us as we walked down the makeshift aisle (the hallway) toward the aisle (the fireplace) where our best friend joined our hands together. Forever. The day was not perfect. It was chaotic and messy and over too fast. Almost as soon as we said "I Do," we were saying "Goodbye." Almost as soon as we'd set up tea lights and votives and flowers, there we were taking them down again. And while it was chaotic and messy and over too fast, it was also magical. Memorable. Just what we wanted. That not-so-perfect day was the start of our lives together as husband and wife. A testament to all the days to come that aren't planned out and perfect but are the makings of a real life.

We both knew early on that this relationship was special. We also knew that a big wedding ceremony was not quite "us." We will celebrate our marriage with an intimate hand-fasting ceremony in Island Park, exactly halfway between our hometowns. Only our immediate families will be in attendance to honor the occasion. A hand-fasting ceremony is a traditional ceremony marking a couple's commitment to one another wherein they are bound together by a rope, ribbon, or cord. The term "tying the knot" comes from this tradition.

Growing up in Montana and Utah, respectively, we have a deep-held love for the mountains. After spending two wonderful years in Bend together, we decided to take the leap and moved east back towards home. We knew that Montana called to us after being so far from the Rocky Mountains. After a year in Helena, we both found fulfilling jobs in Missoula and we are thrilled to be here! Scott works in mitigation and repair for a small company and Paige works for the University of Montana in the College of Business. We love living in the mountain valley at the base of Mount Jumbo and Mount Sentinel. Missoula is close to our families and adventure. We hope to make our forever home here in this mountain valley.

The year 2020 was a year of change and upheaval for most of the world. In this time of chaos, we met in Bend, Oregon, and instantly found comfort in one another. Our mutual friend, Caley, invited us both to a barbecue hosted in her backyard. It was the first time after the stay-at-home order was lifted that anyone was allowed to visit others outside of their homes. What Caley didn't tell us was that she had invited each of us with the intent on us meeting! All night, we chatted. Little things, like where we grew up and how we had come to Bend. From that night on, we talked every day. We talked over coffee at a little shop, and while we hiked down Mount Bachelor. Just like that, one night has turned into four years.