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.

Things to Do coming soon!