We met October of 2018. Our first date was going bowling and playing darts. Blake tried to curb his competitive side so played with his left hand. Blake still won. On the third game he switched to his right and couldn't figure out how to keep the ball out of the gutter, so Alex won instead :)

Right from the beginning our ability to connect and share life together came fairly easy. As we spent more time together we quickly realized we share a lot of similarities. We both love games, competition and the outdoors.

The next few years consisted of learning lots of new things together such as Blake teaching Alex how to snowboard and ski and play Spikeball. Alex tried teaching Blake how to paint... We later learned Pickleball together and are growing our board game collection. We taught ourselves photography and love taking the camera on hikes and adventures now!

Our story took shape over the last few years and led us to make big decisions together. One of these things was buying our first home and starting to create our life together. We went through some significant events together and times were not always easy but we have proven to be dedicated to the "us" we are creating and that we are now ready for this next chapter.

Blake found a discrete opportunity to ask Alex's dad John for her hand in marriage while Alex and her mom were out of the house but when Alex walked back into the house John immediately looked at her and smiled broadly saying the time with Blake was "shocking". John affirmed he felt Blake was a gentle, loving man who would be perfect for his daughter. Even though it wasn't Blake's plan to share with Alex yet, it ended up being a lovely, albeit, emotional experience.

Knowing a proposal was coming it seemed unlikely that Alex would be surprised. But then who would take an engagement ring portaging in the middle of Vancouver Island? On Aug 06, 2023, nestled between lake Amor and Lake Surprise, while photographing a beautiful sunset Blake knelt down and started to ask the question. Alex was surprised. Before Blake could finish telling Alex how much he loved her and how excited for the future he was, Alex said "Yes".

We are so excited to be getting married and being able to share this next journey with all of you.