Ryan and Kelsey were both students at Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado. They were both very involved in various activities around campus. Kelsey played both volleyball and basketball, while Ryan played hockey, helped develop the program, held several positions on the Western Mountain Rescue team, and even served as the student government president. Although they frequently saw each other around campus, their busy schedules prevented them from officially meeting. Ryan remembers the day he first saw Kelsey in the UC Cafe. After a few years of playing Instagram tag, Ryan finally asked Kelsey out on a date in October 2021, and the rest is history

Ryan and Kelsey spent a week in Gunnison-Crested Butte, where they went to college. Each day was packed with adventures, such as climbing and mountain biking at Hartman Rocks, ATVing in Taylor Canyon, fishing at Emerald Lake, paddleboarding with friends down the Slate River, swimming and hiking around Long Lake, and even walking around campus. Each day, Kelsey hinted to Ryan that the place was perfect for him to propose. “Man, this place is so pretty! Just sayin’, ya know, in case you had anything planned…” Finally, on Thursday, Ryan told Kelsey that they had last-minute reservations for a fancy dinner, so they drove up to the Umbrella Bar at the top of Mt. Crested Butte. While “waiting for their table to be prepared,” they took some pictures, and Ryan proposed with a beautiful view of the mountains in the background. A good Search and Rescue friend was able to capture the special moment on camera. By the time they finished celebrating on the mountain, all of the fancy restaurants were closed. So, in classic Gunni fashion, they bellied up to the bar at the Secret Stash and enjoyed the local delicacies every Western grad has come to know and love: PBR and Crack Fries. They have been looking forward to spending their special day with you all ever since.