We both began our time in Laramie approximately one year apart. Josh in 2005 and Katie in 2006 - thank goodness our paths didn't cross then! Josh had just finished up serving in the Marines and Katie was fresh out of high school! Between finishing degrees and different jobs in Laramie, our paths and circles of friends may have briefly crossed, but it wasn't until 2014 when a higher power jumped in.

Josh's position with the University of Wyoming's Foundation, as Facility Manager was integral in bringing online the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center, UW's new front door to campus. The building would soon be home to Katie's department working in the UW Admissions Office, as well. Katie officially moved into the building in October and was quickly informed of a potential love prospect, Joshua. While working late one night, her supervisor at the time, introduced her to "Josh" (not knowing this was THE Joshua). Instantaneously, Katie knew she wanted to get to know Josh better.

After a few shameless "flirting sessions" at the end of the work day, Katie put two and two together and realized "Josh" was really Joshua. Being experienced in dating and relationships, both Josh and Katie knew they weren't going to rush into anything. These shameless flirting sessions turned into a coffee date (during work hours) almost four months later. After our coffee date, Josh officially asked Katie out on a "real" date.

Date One - Dinner at the Library Bar and Grill. Josh and Katie had a great meal and conversation during dinner, but ended the evening on a rookie mistake. While leaving the restaurant, Josh and Katie shared a somewhat awkward hug, Josh went to the right and Katie to the left to their respective cars. Halfway down the sidewalk, Josh turned around and hollered, "I guess I could have walked you to your car."

Date Two (Katie's turn for a rookie mistake) - Dinner at the Library went so well, we decided for dinner the next night at Mizu Sushi. In an effort to get a quick work out in before the date, Katie went to the gym and accidentally locked her keys, cell phone and wallet in her car. A friend gave her a ride to the restaurant where she sheepishly waited for Josh to arrive, sweaty and in her gym clothes. Like a true gentleman, Josh said "no worries, let's go in and get some dinner, and we will deal with your keys later!"

It wasn't too many more dates or time after the second official date, that the "title" was confirmed. While leaving to head out for a recruitment trip, Katie stopped in to say goodbye to Josh. At this time, Josh introduced Katie to one of his friends as "his girl friend." It was OFFICIAL!

Approximately 18 months before actually proposing, Joshua showed Katie the setting of an engagement ring he had been looking at while clearly stating "don't get too excited and think too much about it, I just wanted to see what your thoughts were." From this point forward, any special event/trip, etc., they went on, she prepared for the possibility of an engagement. About a year later, when Joshua and Katie bought their home, Joshua told her that he would not propose on a special day/event.

Spring forward to June 18th, 2017, Katie's birthday. With Josh's statement made earlier in the year, she didn't think anything of it. This birthday was on a Sunday, Father's Day that year, so they had planned a drive up to Sugar Loaf to do some fishing (one of their favorite trips to make) and then were coming home to host a Father's Day/Birthday BBQ. Getting ready for the fishing trip, Josh was extra detailed in setting everything up, he even helped pick out Katie's outfit for the day! (He usually hates helping with that piece!) On the drive up the mountain, he seemed kind of anxious, but Katie didn't think too much of it. They made it to Sugar Loaf, but as to be expected in Wyoming in June, the road in was still blocked by a massive drift of snow - this really seemed to irk Josh. They drove a little further up to Lake Marie where they decided to get out and walk around/find the perfect fishing spot.

After a short walk around part of the lake and realizing there was still a bit of snow and ice, they decided to head back to the truck. On the way, just about half way back, Josh stopped and bent down to get something out of his backpack. Katie was admiring the view of the mountains and lake when she turned around to see what Josh was doing and he was on one knee with the most beautiful ring in his hand. Katie froze and kept telling herself to listen to what he was saying, but her excitement took over and she just jumped into his arms and said YES! (Secretly, Katie isn't even sure he actually asked!)