Ben and Britt met in Durango, Colorado in May of 2019 (two days after Ben’s birthday, pretty good birthday present right?). They were both set to work at a remote zipline excursion in the heart of the San Juan National Forest. Ben had been tasked with picking up Britt at the airport on his way in to property. Having taken a leap of faith with this job and having never been to Colorado (or really out west at all for that matter) Britt was nervous to see who this “Ben” was. The ride to property was pretty funny. Britt gawking at the mountains like she had arrived on a different planet, and Ben somewhat agreeing but not near as impressed.

They became fast friends, spending the summer exploring trails, camping, climbing, sharing stories, and working side-by-side in the mountains. Looking back, they both admit there was interest early on, but they kept things friendly that first summer.

When the season ended, they returned to their respective colleges in Ohio and Alabama. But before they left, Ben suggested setting up a monthly call to talk about the transition back to the real world and how much they missed Colorado. That call turned into a regular rhythm. Monthly check-ins turned into weekly conversations, then daily chats that carried them through the height of the pandemic. When Ben broke his back in a skiing accident that spring (yes, really), Britt kept him company over FaceTime every day as he healed.

They both returned to the zipline the next summer, and in less than two weeks, finally confirmed the feelings they had for each other. Britt was hesitant at first (the logistics of it all), but Ben was confident, "two years of long distance, and then we can move to Colorado together”.

Five years, a few cross-country drives, several flights, and many mountain adventures later, they’re still living out that plan. And now, they’re getting married!!!!