We would like to make up an exciting story here, but the truth is just better than anything we could imagine. Danny met Shelly in Tanzania while hiking mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa!

Shelly had noticed Danny previously on facebook invite lists, and she attended multiple events in hopes of meeting him; but Danny never showed. When they both signed up with a facebook group to hike Kili, Shelly was punctual and attentive on the zoom meetings in hopes of seeing Danny there, but Danny never showed up to those either! Waiting at the airport to meet the hiking crew, Danny still wasn't there. Danny arrived at gate 21 in the Salt Lake Airport, mere minutes before they closed the gate. Shelly was in luck!

En route to Africa, Danny immediately thought Shelly was cute, but while interacting with the group, he also started realized her incredible attributes. She was funny and always having a good time. When Danny would talk about a random subject, Shelly was the most likely to figure out what he was talking about. While hiking down Kilimanjaro, the trip leader cued Danny in on a surprise birthday cake that the porters were baking for Shelly. At the birthday celebration, it had been 6 days since anyone had showered, but Shelly looked beautiful. They were both denied a summit attempt, but Shelly handled it with incredible grace, Danny realized he was starting to have a crush on her.

After the first post-Kili shower, Shelly wore a long-sleeved running shirt that knocked Danny off of his feet. The next day they rode in the same jeep on the way to Ngorongoro Crater. Danny used this time to go through his well-rehearsed first-date repertoire. Shelly laughed at Danny's cheesy jokes, but more importantly countered with sharp jokes of her own. Shelly has a great sense of humor! She had great questions for Danny and easily navigated deeper conversations. Most importantly, Danny and Shelly further connected over their mutual love of diet sodas.

The more Danny learned about Shelly, the more infatuated he was with her. They were assigned to different jeeps for the remainder of the trip but, when not in the Jeep, Danny followed Shelly around Safari like a puppy dog and Shelly basked in the attention. Danny thought his chances of her liking him were slim to none . That was until one fateful morning he went out to his Shelly-less jeep and found that Shelly had found and bought him a Coke Zero in the middle of the Serengeti! Danny was floored! He might have a chance! Later that night he couldn’t keep it in and told his tent-mate that he had a crush on Shelly and how odd it was. He hadn’t really fallen for a girl in years. When his tent-mate started talking about it more, Danny got bashful and he tried to downplay it and change the subject by saying, “Well Alex, if it works out, I will invite you to the wedding”.

Shelly was attracted to Danny’s mustache that he grew out to look like a 19th century explorer while on Safari. On the last Day in Africa, Danny shaved off the mustache at a local barber. Shelly was not amused, and gave Danny a disappointed look. For the rest of the day Danny regretted his decision. They were lucky to spend the last few days of their trip helping at an orphanage and each of the admired how the other interacted with the kids. They gravitated toward each other; but neither said a word.

All Danny could think about was how to ask Shelly out when he got home. Would she say yes? Was heartbreak ahead? The flights home were full and they didn’t get to sit by each other on any flight. On the first flight, Shelly was sitting next to a US Sailor and Danny thought she was being flirty. Danny was very distraught. After they arrived back in Salt Lake, Shelly gave Danny a hug and whispered in his ear, “Call me when you grow that mustache back!” then climbed into a car driven by a guy that she had been going on dates with.

Good thing Danny is a man of action! After he googled how to speed up mustache growth, he called the office manager at his company that oversees the company Jazz tickets. The flight landed home on a Thursday, and there was a Jazz game that Saturday. Luckily, tickets were available and Danny called Shelly as soon as he could! Shelly was excited to go, but allowed a friend to convince her it probably wasn’t a date. Shelly LOVES sports and they had an amazing time. They even made it onto the jumbotron and Danny couldn’t believe he was at the game with such an amazing woman.

More dates ensued, they went to the Sundance film festival in Park City, sang Karaoke, and -because Shelly is a 49ers fan and Danny is a Cowboys fan- watched the Cowboys-Niners playoff game together. They shared their first kiss at half time. Shelly’s team won, but never had Danny been so happy after a Cowboys’ loss.

In the last year and a half Shelly and Danny have learned a lot from each other and have been strengthened by each other as they have faced many trials and challenges. They now know that these trials will always be better when faced when they are together.

Shelly loves Danny’s heart. He is adventurous and kind. He is always thinking of new ideas and infusing life with energy and laughter. The laughter became an issue on our Kilimanjaro hike as other campers were eager to get a good night’s rest. Danny’s laugh is loud and infectious and can not be contained. When hiking, he was up early, ready to take on the day; meet new people; and dance with the porters. Everyone is equal to Danny and he is quick to make you feel at home. He is encouraging and fair. His drive and ambition is measured, but expansive. He challenges Shelly to see the world through new eyes and fosters understanding and growth in both of their lives. He gives of himself freely and is often thinking of ways to bless others. He has made Shelly’s life better in every way; and this is just the beginning.

We are so happy to share our story and journey with you. Please come and celebrate with us!

Photos