It all started with a hike up the Wynoochee. For our very first date, Cody suggested a two-mile trek, and Katelyn didn’t hesitate for a second. That simple “yes” turned into the start of something unforgettable. Cody was instantly impressed that she was up for the adventure, and somewhere between the trees, the laughter, and the beautiful scenery, something just clicked.

Seven days prior — before date number two — Cody asked Katelyn to officially be his girlfriend. We guess we just knew it was forever after one date together. That second date took us to Rocky Brook Falls, where the views were absolutely unforgettable, but honestly, they didn’t compare to the way we felt about each other.

After a couple of months, Cody took Katelyn up to Port Angeles to meet his dad. We loaded up Finley, hit the road, and were greeted by his dad and stepmom, who were so welcoming and kind. It didn’t take long to feel like family — especially once Cody’s dad discovered his love for Katelyn’s lemon bread and baking skills.

We are always finding new and fun things to do together — every day feels like an adventure. Cody especially loves being out on the water fishing, so going out on his dad’s boat together for the first time was such a special moment. With the sun shining, the water sparkling, and so many beautiful views, it was the perfect day spent making memories with his family.

About a week later, Katelyn invited Cody to the Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley with her family. Surrounded by endless rows of blooms, everything felt so perfect and meant to be. It was one of those days you wish could last forever — and deep down, we both knew we had found something truly special.

The summer of 2023 was our first summer together — and one we’ll never forget. From countless boat rides to unforgettable fishing trips, every outing was filled with laughter, adventure, and the kind of memories you hold onto forever!

Ten months later, we hiked 2 miles back to our very first date location in the Wynoochee. It was so much fun to try and recreate our original selfie and see how far we had come since that first day. That spot now holds so many memories for us — and so many more to be made.

A few months down the road, after celebrating a few winter holidays together with family & friends, and celebrating our first year anniversary, we hit the slopes for our first snowboarding trip!

Next, we ventured down to Oregon to visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where I quickly discovered Cody’s true love for cheese (he may have gone back for the free samples more than once lol). We grabbed corn dogs at Pronto Pup in Rockaway Beach and ended the trip with the most beautiful drive along the coast including a quick stop at Cape Disappointment to visit the lighthouse.

Just as soon as we got home and settled, we were off again—this time to Leavenworth, WA. With both of our families along for the ride, we set out to explore the charm of this little Bavarian-style town together.

We can’t forget about Uncle Mike! Our first trip out on his boat turned into an instant friendship between him and Cody. Now whenever Uncle Mike needs a fishing buddy, he calls me—not to see if I’m free, but to see if Cody is!

While spending an evening with friends under the stars, we saw the northern lights together for the very first time, such a breathtaking experience we’ll never forget!

On our way back from a fishing trip, we were flagged down with an offer Katelyn couldn’t resist—free puppies. If you know her, you know she loves free and she loves puppies. Cody couldn’t say no, so what was supposed to be a Walmart grocery stop turned into coming home with something extra special… our sweet boy, Winchester.

After adding our newest puppy to the family, the four of us spent the rest of the summer camping almost every weekend. Camping is one of our favorite traditions, filled with late-night campfires, early morning breakfast by the water, and plenty of adventures with Finley and Winchester by our side.

We ended our summer by celebrating love at a few weddings of family and friends — little did we know, ours was just down the road.

In October, we spent a day at the pumpkin patch with friends, right near the house we were considering buying. It was the perfect way to soak in the fall season while also getting a feel for the community we were hoping to call home.

Cody’s parents had family photos scheduled, and we decided to join in. It turned into such a special day — not only did we get to capture beautiful pictures all together, but it also meant so much to share in those memories and feel officially a part of my new family!

As fall rolled on, we spent more and more time outdoors with the dogs — hunting, fishing, and soaking up every chance we had to be outside together.

Just a week before Christmas, we received the best gift yet — we closed on our very first home and finally got our keys! It was such a proud moment for both of us, and even more meaningful because we achieved this milestone together.

For our second anniversary — and as a Christmas gift for our niece — we took a trip up to Seattle. We spent the day exploring Pike Place Market, visiting the aquarium, and even leaving our mark on the famous gum wall. It was the perfect way to celebrate love, family, and another year of adventures together.

In February, we headed up to the mountains to celebrate one of Cody’s best friend’s birthdays. It also happened to be my very first snow camping trip — an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, good food, and lots of fun memories around the fire!

On April 7th, Cody got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. It was, without a doubt, the easiest “YES” ever. I cannot wait to officially start our lives together and continue building our future side by side.

On May 16th we had a courthouse ceremony and got married in a very intimate setting with just our families and witnesses. A day I’ll never forget, and I love getting to share your last name. While that moment was quiet and deeply meaningful, we knew we wanted the chance to celebrate our love surrounded by all of our favorite people. That’s why we’re so excited for September 5th, 2026 — a day filled with love, laughter, dancing, and the start of forever together.

A few months after getting married, we continued on with our adventures and headed out to Westport to do some crabbing and maybe catch a few fish. The ocean air, the waves, and the excitement of pulling up the crab pots made it such a special trip. And of course, we stopped at Bennett’s — because no Westport adventure is complete without a bowl of clam chowder!

Cody’s mom invited us to the Flower Festival in Shelton, and I was so excited because I had always wanted to go. It was such a beautiful day surrounded by blooms, laughter, and our new community.

September 25’ was fun packed. We got fair tickets through our HOA and decided to take some of Cody’s friends with us to spend the day together. It was our first time going to the Puyallup Fair as a couple, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. From seeing all the animals to wandering through the booths, and of course grabbing a classic corn dog and fries, we laughed our way through the day and made another memory to tuck into our story.