In September 2023, about a month into Alex and Val's relationship, Alex and his friend Brian were talking about going to a NEEDTOBREATHE concert at Red Rocks in May 2024. Knowing Val was also a fan, Brian asked if she’d want to join. It was early in the relationship, but Alex decided to invite her anyway, hoping things would work out so they could all go together. Val said yes, and Alex felt both excited and hopeful for what might be ahead.

In the following months, Alex and Val grew closer with every shared adventure, conversation, and laugh. They talked about life, faith, and random goofy things, and by January, they exchanged their first "I love you." Over the winter, Alex thought and prayed about their future, and by early March, he knew he wanted to marry Val. Then it dawned on him—he could propose in Colorado, during the upcoming trip if he moved quickly enough.

Determined to keep his plan a surprise, Alex went into “secret agent mode” to buy a ring and coordinate with Brian, who agreed to pick it up and bring it through Indianapolis security to avoid any suspicion from Val. A bit after they landed in Denver, the plan was set: they’d hike on Saturday at Rocky Mountain National Park and hike Sunday at Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Alex would propose there.

On Sunday, with the ring tucked carefully in his backpack, Alex kept Val from peeking in the side pocket as they walked the trail. Near the end of the route, he spotted the more private, grassy area he’d picked out beforehand. With Brian ready to capture the moment, Alex suggested they step off the trail for a better view. Val agreed, and as they walked further into the clearing, Alex stopped, turned to her, and told her how much she meant to him. Taking off his backpack, he pulled out the ring, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry him. Val answered with an enthusiastic “Yes!” as Alex got up to hug and kiss her… then he realized he forgot to put the ring on her finger! Laughing, he knelt a second time and finally placed the ring on her hand.

With spirits high, they hiked back, sharing stories about all the secret planning Alex had done. That night, they celebrated at the incredible NEEDTOBREATHE concert at Red Rocks, marking the beginning of their future together!

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