It all started with a chance encounter at VASA Fitness, a place where most come to build muscles, not love stories. I was working at the front desk when Whitney, a member, caught my eye. From the moment I saw her, I felt something different. I told my coworker Ben that she was “wife material” from Day 1, though I didn’t fully understand what that meant yet. A few months later, we continued talking, and I finally worked up the nerve to ask her out. I wish I could say I did it confidently, but I was nervous, stumbling over my words. Thankfully, she saw through my jitters and gave me her number. The very next day, I reached out, and we set up a date. We spent over two hours walking and talking, and a few days later, we went on our first official date. It wasn’t perfect, but we both felt a deeper connection growing between us. On a dock by a lake, she shared that she was moving to Nashville in a few months and wasn’t sure if she wanted to pursue a relationship. It was tough to hear, but we both agreed to give it a shot. Whitney became my first true love, and our long-distance relationship only strengthened my belief that we were meant to be together. It wasn’t always easy for her to know if I was the one, but I never gave up, because I knew she was meant to be in my life. Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2023. I had planned to spend the holiday alone, preparing for a big playoff game while Whitney was in Nashville for nursing school. I went to the airport to pick up her cousin’s girlfriend, but when the doors opened, it wasn’t who I expected—it was Whitney. She had surprised me, flying in to be at my first playoff game as a college coach. Not only that, but she told me she loved me for the first time. That day and week became unforgettable. In March 2024, I was blessed to enter the Catholic Church, and it brought us even closer. I learned to place the Lord at the center of our relationship, guiding us with love and faith. Together, we became proud parents to our sweet pup, Sage, adding another layer of joy to our lives. Now, it was time for my own surprise. I had picked up the engagement ring and, after some careful planning, I chose September 28, 2024, as the day. I knew I needed the perfect location. With God’s help, I found the opportunity—Whitney’s mom and stepdad were heading to Vail, and her mom and I hatched a plan to get Whitney to join us, pretending it was for her stepdad’s birthday. Before the trip, I found a short, scenic hike leading to a waterfall—an ideal spot to propose. I also reached out to a local restaurant that made her favorite gluten- and dairy-free carrot cake muffins and arranged for a special order to bring with us to Vail. The day arrived, and though Whitney wasn’t feeling her best, I convinced her the hike would be easy and beautiful. She was excited to take pictures of the changing fall leaves, which helped me sell the idea. As we had breakfast, my nerves hit hard. When we reached the trail, I couldn’t wait to get to the waterfall, but Whitney wanted to stop for photos along the way. I wasn’t the most patient, but eventually, I gave in, and after a few more pictures, we arrived at the waterfall. Just as I had hoped, she asked for one more picture by the waterfall—exactly when I planned to propose. I took out the box with the muffins, got down on one knee, and asked her to spend forever with me. And the rest, as they say, is history. -Brandon