In the summer of 2017, a tale of serendipity unfolded. A couch-surfing Elena, nursing a freshly broken ankle from a rock climbing escapade, stumbled into an unexpected love story with Joe. Picture a broken ankle, a caring mom, and Joe entering the scene like a not-so-reluctant hero.


The day after Elena had broken her ankle, Joe moved into the house where she was couch surfing. The moving squad included Joe's brother Henry and his mom Nancy. Joe's mom, in her relentless caring ways, had him on a quest for pain meds for Ella before he even finished unpacking. What followed were weeks of Joe whisking the ankle-stricken damsel around, carrying her on his back through impromptu adventures. With Joe around, she hardly needed crutches.


As winter approached, their lives intertwined further. Family visits became a comforting norm, and amidst the cozy chaos, Joe dropped a casual bomb: "I could marry you." Little did they know, those words were more than whimsy – they were a sneak peek into their future.


Fast forward to the present, as they approach the grand finale of their whirlwind romance – their impending marriage marking seven years from that fateful summer.


And what a story it has been! From the icy landscapes of Alaska to the sun-soaked streets of Spain, their love story has unfolded as an international adventure. Now, with Portland as their next stage, they stand ready to script the next thrilling chapter of their happily ever after. Here's to love and the unexpected journey that brought them together!