Hello everyone! Welcome to Deirdre and Austin's wedding page. They are so excited for you to celebrate their big day with them in the Elk mountains of Crested Butte. They just wanted to briefly tell you how their adventure together started.

Chapter 1: Love At First Hike

Deirdre and Yogi moved to Colorado Springs in January of 2020. She had decided to move to Colorado to begin a fresh start! Austin had been living in Colorado Springs since his graduation from Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO. Deirdre was one of the transplants that hiked with Yogi pretty much every weekend, and on the week days she had off from the hospital. They loved these adventures while getting acclimated to the altitude and exploring their new state. She had been a member of a few dating apps (single and ready to mingle). After a few not so great dates, Deirdre came across Austin's profile on Hinge during the lovely start of COVID. He looked fun and adventurous; he was pretty handsome; and she might have even sent the first message. Austin must have seen something he liked, because he replied (with something clever I'm sure). In May of 2020, they went on their first date which was a hike up Mount Muscoco in Colorado Springs. I would say the date went well. So well that in March of 2021, Deirdre and Austin bought a home in the Springs and moved in together! They also took an anniversary trip to Kaui, Hawaii with Austin's best man John and his wife Sumer. They say that it is important to travel together in a new relationship to see how the couple communicates and connects. Austin and Deirdre may have missed their flight from Denver to LAX, but made out even better with a direct flight to their destination instead.

Chapter 2: The Family Expanded By 4 Feet

In September of 2021, Deirdre, Austin, and Yogi changed their lives for the better and added a member to the family; Frisco, a super cute golden retriever. If Yogi could talk, he would say otherwise. Since then, Deirdre, Austin, and the dogs have enjoyed hiking, dog park days, birthdays (human and dog), holidays, and spending time as a family.

Chapter 3: Popping The Question At High Elevation

After being together for three years, Austin planned his proposal on their dating anniversary, May 15th 2023! Deirdre who is an avid hiker had already informed Austin that she wanted to be proposed to on a 14er (a mountain in Colorado that is 14,000 feet tall). Austin talked to Deirdre's parents when they came to visit for a ski trip to Wolf Creek in March of 2023. Of course, they were overjoyed about Austin wanting to pop the question and marry their daughter. Deirdre did some research for an anniversary hike (Austin said it had to be a 14er). After looking around at the different peaks and deciding on one that would be a lower risk of dying in an avalanche on a very important day, Deirdre and Austin agreed on hiking 14er Mount Shavano (The Angel of Shavano) in Salida, CO. Austin's good friend and soon to be groomsman, Ryan Willis, joined them on this hiking adventure. Austin told Deirdre that Ryan wanted to join them to hike his one 14er for the year. They woke up at 4AM to start their journey to Salida. All was well below tree line, but they came prepared with snowshoes and winter gear. After tree line, they were post holing up to their thighs in snow. Ryan did an awesome job navigating to The Angel (cell service was sparse in the back country). They made it to 12,000 ft. right below the Angel for a water break and some snacks. It was at this spot Austin got down on one knee and proposed to Deirdre. It was such a meaningful proposal that included popping champagne, eating hiking snacks and being with a close friend. They may not have summited that day due to exhaustion and the snow melting pretty quickly, but it was still an epic day! After descending, they celebrated in downtown Salida with Margaritas and delicious food at Boathouse Cantina. Their socks and shoes might have been soaked from the snowy adventure, but their hearts and bellies were warm and full!

Chapter 4: It's Miller Time

Austin and Deirdre are looking forward to celebrating this next chapter of their love story with close friends and family. They can not wait to see you guys next year. You will all have a seat, but your real place is on the dance floor!

The Mountain Express