It was (bio)chemistry that brought them together... or something like that. In summer of 2019, Colleen began working as a research assistant in a University of Oregon epigenetics lab next door to the biochemistry lab where Thomas was a doctoral student. Although they often passed each other in the halls and attended the same journal clubs and seminars, they didn't meet until a genomics lab dinner party in late 2019. One day in spring 2020, Thomas stopped by Colleen's lab to use a gel imager, struck up a conversation, and invited her to go on a hike. On June 21, 2020 they had their first date -- a steep hike up Eagles Rest in Willamette National Forest. Although Colleen couldn't immediately determine if it was a *friend* hike or a *date* hike, her question was soon answered when they continued to see each other frequently and admitted their feelings for each other at the summit of Browder Ridge on another hike in July. Their relationship developed quickly that summer through many days spent together hiking, visiting the farmer's market, wild blackberry picking, and swimming. They took the next step and introduced each other to their families, first Thomas joining the Mumfords in Junction City, OR for Thanksgiving 2020, and in May 2021 Colleen travelled to Mobile, Alabama to meet the Baileys at a family wedding. As their relationship deepened, so did their adventures together including mountain climbs, challenging backpacking trips, skiing and snowboarding, traveling to Austria and Germany in 2023, and purchasing their first house together in Springfield, OR in November, 2024. When not off traveling or hiking, they enjoy relaxing at home together cooking creative dishes, nerding out about biology questions, and spoiling their cat Natalie. On April 21, 2024 they went for a hike at one of Colleen's favorite places: Clear Lake. When Colleen stopped to take a picture, Thomas got down on one knee behind her and surprised her with a proposal when she turned around. Obviously, she said yes quite happily! They are thrilled to be getting married at Mount Pisgah, one of their favorite places to hike, and can't wait to celebrate this next chapter in their love story at such a special spot with all their friends and family.