She didn’t own a hairbrush. He didn’t own a hairbrush. What better reason could there be to start a conversation? In a world of duck lips and shirtless selfies in the bathroom mirror, anything that seemed real was cause for intrigue. Claire was fresh into her 30’s, a traveling fiend with a penchant for hitting the road and trying new experiences. Justin, just a little older, was always smiling, always outdoors, with an artful eye for photography. And even though they lived just around the corner from each other, visiting the same grocery store and driving the same streets, it was only through the passing judgement of a three-sentence tinder profile and a handful of selected pics that Claire and Justin swiped right into each other lives.

Claire was traveling in Central America and lost her phone. Justin assumed it was another missed match. But when Claire came back to the U.S. and reconnected with the outside world, their story began. They messaged each other for a week before Justin asked if they should try to meet up to see if they had anything more in common. And so they met at a neighborhood bar not far from either. Justin entered first and took a seat at the bar. Claire came in and ran into what seemed like at least 4 people she knew on her 20-foot walk to introduce herself to Justin. Justin waited patiently.

The first date was great, but Justin was off the next day for a week of climbing beautiful Indian Creek splitters. Claire, not yet introduced to climbing, stayed in Vegas to take in the budding spring. Back in Las Vegas, Justin saw a text from Claire, and he asked if she wanted to meet up for a second date. She did. And after an adventurous night of trying some new foods in Chinatown, they went to play shuffleboard and add a nightcap. A first, electrifying kiss, and a parting of ways. Third date. Fourth date. Constant laughs and positive energy.

Many dates later and seeing each other every day for weeks, Justin left for a canoe trip down the Mississippi with the manliest of men, Chris Casey. Three weeks of relentless mosquitos, early retirement to tents, torrential rains and terrifying storms, and worst of all… little cell service. But only a few days and the first major town in, Justin called Claire. He missed her. She was excited to hear his voice, but she waited patiently.

July in South Carolina. Justin changed his plans to meet Claire and her family on the beach. Claire was sweaty with nervous excitement as Sharon drove her to the airport to pick him up. A long, happy, joyful embrace of lovers after weeks apart. Days later on the beach, Justin thought he was falling in love, but he was nervous about committing. Claire demanded knowing, not thinking. She was already there. She had wanted to say it so many times.

Fourth of July 2014. A hefty 24 hours later, and Justin knew. Fireworks. Justin said I love you and Claire said she always had. Many years later and countless adventures. The happiest of mama doos and moving in together. A litter of puppies and a baby kitty. A little red trailer and thousands of miles crisscrossing the country. Buying a new home. Over 8 years of patience. A proposal, tears of joy, and the best Yes anyone can hear.

And so it is that 10 years after the first I love yous that we are FINALLY getting married. We look forward to all celebrating with you as we take the next step together, sharing in our relationship of empathy, trust, encouragement, and joy. Thank YOU for waiting patiently!