Beth spent the summer of 2014 in southeast Alaska, working on a cruise ship. She traversed the inside passage many times, looking for her soul mate. She saw many whales, but never an Alex.

Alex spent the summer of 2014 in Alaska working on the train, though they never met. Alex would go back and forth between Anchorage and Denali, but sometimes would make his way all the way down to Whittier, where the cruise ships dropped everyone off. A Beth sighting very well could have happened at this point!

Beth spends time backpacking through Peru for over a month. She started in Lima and made her way to Huacachina where she found paradise. After that, down to Arequipa and eventually Cuzco.

Alex spends time backpacking in Peru. Starting his way in Lima and making his way to Cuzco before talking the Salkantay trail up to Aguas Calientes and eventually Machu Picchu.

Alex moves back to MN around 2017 after living in Seattle since 2009. He reconnects with old friends from high school and working at the movie theatre. After having been gone for a number of years, this time he feels ready to settle back in Minnesota for the long run. A few stints of living in Uptown and Northeast Minneapolis happened at this time.

Beth moves to MN at the start of her career. She had just completed her schooling in Oklahoma and was working towards becoming a fully certified Air Traffic Controller. She found a charming apartment in Burnsville at the foot of Buck Hill.

When they first started dating, they made it to the stone arch bridge downtown. Mid stride, they opted last minute to go to Sushi Train across the river. The amount of sushi they ate almost bankrupted them... but it was worth it.

Beth and Alex embark on their first camping trip at Jay Cooke, which was QUITE the adventure. They learned a lot about themselves and camping preparation that day, maybe. What was followed by a perfect evening, they found that the tent was not as water proof as they thought. They also found that air mattresses are not to be trusted under ANY circumstances. A true betrayal. Long story short, they ended up sleeping in the car, swearing off air mattresses for all of eternity. But hey, if you can get through a night like that, you can get through anything. They still love Jay Cooke, though.

They paddled Medicine Lake, among many other spots around MN and beyond. The outdoors was their refuge from COVID, allowing them to safely stay connected with friends and ultimately get through this challenging time together.

Foraging mushrooms and... eating them?!

First trip by plane together! Visiting friends in Seattle and exploring the Pacific North West together.

They find a house to rent in Apple Valley, MN. It has a yard with a fence and Beth is able to start a garden. Murphey the cat and Benito the dog have declared peace and everyone is happy.

First international trip together! Visiting family and exploring the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico.

Alex proposed to Beth in Iceland. They were on a whale watching boat. Alex had the captain in on his plan and photographers stashed on board. Even the whales cooperated and it was an amazing moment.

They experience the big adventure of purchasing a home together! They enjoy taking the time to make their first house a home.

They love each other. And they love everyone who has supported their relationship and helped them get here today. They look forward to celebrating with everyone on their wedding day and they look forward to enjoying a lifetime spent together.