What started as a simple swipe on Hinge turned into something that both of us had been yearning for but neither expected to find. We’ve come a long way from that first message, and while our story may feel like fate, it’s also built on shared experiences, a lot of laughter, and a little bit of perfect timing.

But what brought us together?

In 2018, Claire left her Maryland homeland for the mountains of Colorado. Fresh out of Towson University, she joined AmeriCorps, where she traveled the Southwest working on community impact projects. She eventually landed at the Colorado Mountain Club, where she embraced her love for the outdoors and began putting down roots in her new home.

Brandon, on the other hand, had just graduated from the University of Wyoming in May 2020, ready to start a new job and chapter in Pittsburgh. But when the pandemic hit, his job offer fell through and he moved to Denver instead, where a group of close friends had an open room.

But would we have met if not for the pandemic? Brandon insists we would’ve found each other eventually (he’s the hopeless romantic). Claire, on the other hand, isn’t so sure (she’s the logical one). Lucky for us, we don’t have to speculate—because in June 2020, we both found ourselves in South Denver, swiping on Hinge.

Our first date was on July 8, 2020, at Sushi Katsu in South Denver. We both showed up with masks on in 100-degree heat, standing in line for all-you-can-eat sushi. Claire even took a chance on this stranger by hopping into Brandon’s car for a little air conditioning and relief from the heat. The date itself was perfect. The conversation flowed like we’d known each other forever, and the laughter was nonstop. One memorable moment consisted of us both trying to choke down a salmon roe nigiri (fish eggs) while still looking cute. By the end of the night, it was clear we were both goofy adventurous spirits who had found something rare in each other.

In the months that followed, our connection deepened through shared adventures. We climbed some of the tallest mountains in the US, cooked elaborate meals, and spent every possible moment together. By September, we were officially a couple, building a relationship that was equal parts fun and meaningful.

The next few years were a whirlwind of memories: road-tripping across the country, discovering Denver’s best restaurants, watching the Rockies lose, dancing the night away at weddings, running half-marathons, and holding annual Harry Potter marathons. Every moment brought us closer together, whether it was a big adventure or a quiet night in.

Then, in July 2024, Brandon took Claire back to Lookout Mountain, one of the spots from our earliest dates. With a bag full of sushi as a callback to our first night together and the sun setting behind the peaks we’d climbed, he asked her to marry him. Claire said yes, and just like that, our next chapter began.

We’re so grateful for the friends and family who have supported us along the way. You’ve cheered us on through every high and low, and we’re so excited to celebrate this next step with you.

Thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait to see all of you in September!

(Graphic Art by Brandon)