Below, you will find both of our stories. We decided to each write one from our own point of view. I hope you take the time to read them and enjoy a little insight into how we met and fell in love.

It may not surprise any of you reading this, but I met Mary while we were climbing at Rise Up in 2018. What will surprise you is I, being slightly introverted and more focused on training than talking, actually went over to her and started up a conversation. We spent the rest of the night trying to climb this problem that required a very long reach. Neither of us completed that climb before Mary had to leave that night. I stayed a few extra minutes and actually sent the problem. You should know I am not usually one for taking pictures or videos of myself climbing, but for some reason, I did in fact record that send. Funnily enough, I think this video was the start of our relationship. Let me explain. I had taken my shirt off because it was really hot in the gym. Although I sent the problem, I opted not to send the video to Mary because I didn’t want to come off as a “boulder bro.” There must have been some feeling deep down that I wanted to be seen in a different way than just a climbing friend, and so, I simply texted her “I got the send!”

About 6 months into our belayshionship, I foolishly took a flight to South Korea for a year. There is not much I want to mention about my time there other than the best times of my week were the few hours I got to video chat with Mary on the weekends. I would count down the minutes until the silly little call tone would ring and I could spend the next few hours talking to the person I was growing to love. On my return trip before the lockdowns (after only 6 months of being there), Mary surprised me at the airport, shyly walking up to the gate where I was getting my luggage, completely unannounced. My heart skipped a beat. It doesn’t get much more romantic than your not-even-girlfriend at the time coming to the airport to welcome you back.

Not long after coming back to the States, the world went on lockdown, though that is far from what we did. We took this time to explore the outdoors through trail running and climbing. We went to one place in particular that stands out among all the rest, Seneca Rocks. As I sat awake that night at the campsite, worried about leading Mary up the mountain safely, I thought for the first time “I want to marry this girl.” As it goes, 3 years later, we climbed to the same summit and it was there I proposed to her. I can’t wait to see what other adventures life has in store for me as I get to spend the rest of my life with her.

On Belay?

Rise-up climbing has made some incredible couples, the most important of those being Brian and I of course.

The first time I met Brian was when approached me in the gym as I was punting off a V4 boulder problem with a dyno move I could not get. He politely asked to work it with me, instead of just hopping on it to impress me like a typical boulder bro would. He made quite the impression with his kindness, good company, and stoke for climbing. I left that night without a send, and Brian lagged behind. He later sent me a Facebook message:

“Forget the dyno when you can do it static!”

My response: “Are you kidding me.”

We became consistent climbing partners, trained two nights a week, and made outdoor day trips to the New River Gorge every weekend we could. He led me up my first multipitch at Seneca Rocks where we shared genuine happiness doing such an insane adventure together. The bond between us got stronger with every long car ride and climbing session as we got to know each other while trusting each other with our lives.

Brian decided to teach for a year in South Korea. I think both of us were aware of how much we meant to each other the moment he said goodbye. My mom gave me the “absence makes the heart grow fonder or apart” speech and, “Would you say yes if he asked you out?”, I replied, “I would say yes if he asked me to marry him.” A bit forward-thinking on my part. But I meant it.

We talked for hours every weekend for the six months he was overseas. I still fondly remember the little tune Kakao talk would make with an incoming call. Our talks were weekly highlights for me. When Brian decided to fly home early, I wanted to make an impression. Although unsure, I decided to take a chance and surprise him at the airport. His reaction made me certain he felt the same about me. The day after his flight, instead of lounging and relaxing, he agreed to run a half marathon around Washington D.C. with me. I knew I found someone special that I could do everything with, and wanted to spend my life with him.

After that we were inseparable. My best friend became my boyfriend and now fiance, but was always my partner for life from the beginning. I am thankful to marry someone who not only lets me dream but makes those dreams happen. Like booking a trip to Costa Rica after I said I wanted to go surfing. Or actually planning our wedding in France, after we saw a couple driving to their venue while we were in Sault a year ago, and said to each other, “What if we got married here?”

I cannot believe we were able to make this happen, and I am so happy to be able to share a special place with our family and closest friends.

Cheers to an adventurous and happy life by each other’s side.

Belay on.