We’ve been together for a long time now, but our first date still feels unforgettable, romantic, hectic, and perfectly us. We were in high school, and I was a year older. After a few months of talking and becoming great friends, Taylor came to pick me up at my parents’ house which, to be fair, is not the easiest place to find! He got lost along the way. With just one bar of service left, he called me for help. I ran down the driveway to meet him, one shoe on, the other in my hand.... flying down that half-mile stretch at breakneck speed.

That night, we drove around for hours through our favorite hometown spots, talking, laughing, and really getting to know each other. Somewhere between laughter and winding roads, we realized there was something truly special, we had found our forever.

From that point on, we were inseparable. We shared so many fun moments, like playing basketball on the same team, Taylor for the Nederland boys varsity team and me for the girls varsity team. We practiced together, traveled on the same bus, and grew closer every day. Sports were a huge part of us. Watching each other play basketball, football, volleyball and soccer. We were there for every game we could.

Our first vacation together took us to Westcliffe. To have adventures on horseback (the first and last time) watching the stars, sleeping in a tent, and sneaking away from the party early to walk home together, it was magical.

Then came our next big adventure... bringing home our first dog, Olive. She was our perfect little pup from the very start. The journey to get her took us all the way to Salida, Colorado. With me behind the wheel the entire time on my learner’s permit. It was my very first major road trip, navigating winding highways and interstates until we finally pulled up to a tiny post office sitting in the middle of a field. That’s where we met Olive for the first time, and from that moment on, she never left our side. She quickly became my service dog, loyal companion, and the heart of our little family.

Even with the uncertainty of what would happen after graduation we stayed the same couple we had always been. We spent evenings at his grandparents’ house, watching movies, playing games, and making countless memories in that cozy basement.

College brought a new chapter full of laughter, friends, and a few wild adventures, from trips to Utah (in the middle of the night) to raising a little hell in Grand Junction. Although college wasn’t the right path for us, it only made us stronger together.

Since returning from our adventures in the west we’ve added two more sweet pups to our little family. First came Piper, our tiny but ferocious chihuahua. Once a street dog in Texas, but these days she’s happiest curled up on the couch, wrapped in blankets, and being cozy. Then came Nikita, our big husky baby. The decision to bring her home was one we thought about for a long time. Even moving out of our cozy little cabin and into to give her the space she needed. It was the best choice we could have made. Nikita is the sweetest dog we’ve ever met. Our little family grew quickly, and we wouldn’t have it any other way, three sets of paws always trailing behind us, making life even more full of love.

Currently in our lives other than the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Taylor has been pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer. Starting out as a security guard and now working his way toward POST certification at the end of December! As a member of the gilpin county sheriff's office. As for me, I’m embracing new seasons of growth, finding myself, and stepping into exciting new opportunities that are just around the corner.

From the very beginning, we’ve been each other’s best friend, safe place, and greatest adventure. With every challenge and every joy, our love has only grown stronger. Now, we can’t wait to celebrate the start of forever together as husband and wife.