Growing up, our parents always told us, “Don’t talk to strangers”… luckily, that life lesson didn’t stick! It was a hot summer day, perfect for a hike. Zoe and her friend Kayli decided to hike the Billy Goat Trail, and luckily Crescencio had the same plan! We still debate who said hi first, but after passing each other on the trail, a conversation sparked before we continued on our separate ways. Clearly the universe kept nudging us together as we crossed paths a few more times. Some of these included when Crescencio stopped to warn Zoe and Kayli about a snake up ahead, and when he offered to take a photo of them. At the end of the trail, Zoe and Kayli took a break on a bench before heading to their car and who appeared just a few minutes later? That cute stranger from the trail. Kayli, being the ultimate wingwoman, pretended to take a phone call while Zoe went over to say hi again. Crescencio started sharing his favorite hikes, and Zoe (pretending to be into hiking) listened eagerly. He mentioned an app called AllTrails and said he could send her some recommendations if he added her on the app. With no service in the woods, Zoe said “Why don’t I give you my number, and you can add me later?” She snapped a very sweaty selfie, added her number to his phone, and they said goodbye. As he walked away, Zoe took a creepy Snapchat of him sharing with the world that she met her future husband. As soon as they got service again, Crescencio texted Zoe, and "Hiker Chris” was born. The rest is history. Well actually the rest is a roller coaster of ups and downs, a pandemic, long-distance drives, 3 homes, and 6 years, but it was all worth it. Maybe talking to strangers in the woods isn't always a terrible idea :)