Ian and Ariel met soon after Ariel’s family moved from Huntsville AL to White Bear Lake MN. They met at a NICA mountain bike practice. They were the only seniors and quickly they became friends, with Ariel joining Ian’s friend group soon after. As they started school, they became closer and started studying together. As the school year moved on, their feelings grew and they started dating.

They went on a few weekend trips, attended prom together, and graduated. After a summer of fun, they parted ways for colleges across the country. Ariel went to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg VA and Ian went to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction CO. For most of the next 2.5 years (besides the COVID lockdown) they were long-distance, only seeing each other during long breaks and one long weekend. Their dates were limited to watching shows and gaming together. It worked, but it was not a long-term solution.

Ian then switched to an EMT course that would have him graduating around the same time one of Ariel’s roommates was moving out. With that, the long-distance relationship became something better. So in January 2022, Ian moved to Virginia to be with Ariel.

It was wonderful to not be in a long-distance relationship. They could see each other daily, go on actual dates like getting coffee, going biking & hiking, and so much more.

There was some adjustment, but their relationship grew by leaps and bounds. They went on study dates at coffee houses, camping trips , and explored the east coast. The family unit grew a little as well, with the addition of Suki, the foster fail who stole their hearts.

Ian proposed on January 2nd, 2023 on an icy bridge in Jay Cooke State Park, the location of their first weekend trip, and where Ian knew for the first time he loved Ariel. Suki made it an interesting proposal, but Ariel loved it. The ring was beautiful and well-picked. Ariel can't help but stare at it to this day.

After Ariel's college graduation, they went on a month-long trip around the country, leaving Suki with Ariel's parents. After that, they moved to Delaware where they have both started their full-time adult jobs and are saving for many things.

They are excited for the wedding (the next big step) and the many adventures that will come after.

As most everyone knows, I grew up in Colorado Springs CO, Huntsville AL, and White Bear Lake MN, where Ian and I met. I have spent the last few years in Blacksburg VA, where I studied data analytics and was treasurer & president (not at the same time) of the VPI Cave Club. I love being outside biking, hiking or camping. I love books and the worlds you can explore in them. While I currently have a dog, cats are my best friends.

I grew up in Minnesota and attended White Bear Lake for high school where I ended up meeting Ariel. During my time in high school, I worked at a bike shop part-time and became the captain of the White Bear Lake mountain bike team. I then went to college at Colorado Mesa University. I worked at Colorado Backcountry Biker during that time and have many great memories there. I eventually got my EMT and left Colorado to chase Ariel all the way over to Virginia. I did some cool things, went to Florida for the Hurricane Ian cleanup efforts, and explored the outdoors with Ariel whenever I could. I now work as an ED tech for a children's hospital in DE and volunteer as a firefighter with a local fire company,