When Sara started graduate school she was under instructions to meet a senior graduate student named Kevin Finch. Unbeknownst to her, Kevin had been instructed to meet and recruit Sara. At orientation they introduced themselves, started talking and soon became fast friends. Sara ended up in the lab across the hall from Kevin. Every day they saw each other in the hallway. They bonded over their love of the outdoors, statistical analysis, proper experimental design, and beer. Lots and lots of beer. That spring they could no longer deny their growing feelings. Over a round of prickly pear margaritas at Chimys, Kevin confessed his secret feelings. Sara responded that she felt the same and they have been madly in love ever since.

In the summer of 2023, Kevin took Sara on a cross country trip to Northern California where he ran wild in the woods as a youth. On the way they camped at their favorite (and secret) National Forest camping spot. Kevin invited Sara on a walk around the alpine lake. He got down on one knee and proposed. Sara proposed back because he deserves the same. Luckily they both said yes, so that wasn't awkward or anything. Kevin left a bottle of champagne in a snow bank but they forgot glasses so they drank the entire bottle out of backpacking bowls. They went on to have the most fun engagement trip anyone has ever had with their best friends. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in the mountains!