Morgan’s Version:

I remember vividly the warmth and comfort I felt during my first conversation with Thomas. We met during the first day of a wellness retreat in Loveland, Colorado with the foothills of the Rocky Mountains surrounding us. There was an ease in our conversation over dinner, despite our different paths that led us to that place. The group of attendees were the first to attend that retreat since the Covid pandemic impacted life and travel as we had known it, and there was a special quality to my time spent there. The time to reflect in the mountains helped me find clarity and healing during a challenging season of life. Thomas and I bonded over our shared pursuit of personal growth and the enjoyment of the outdoors. After the retreat ended, our conversations continued, and a deep connection began. Friendship evolved into something more profound, as we discovered kindred spirits in each other. The miles between us were bridged by countless hours spent on the phone. In those moments, as we shared laughter and dreams, I knew that Thomas was more than just a friend; he was the missing piece of my heart.

After dating long distance for several months, we began envisioning what our futures could look like together. Last summer, with Thomas captaining the U-Haul, I made the move out to New Hampshire to start merging our lives together in an everyday way. I’ve lived in many places, from the Midwest to Florida to Colorado, but being with Thomas feels like home no matter where we are. Last year when I injured my lower back, I had a glimpse of how deeply I could count on him to look out for me in both the good times and bad. Life inevitably brings challenges, and I feel blessed to care for each other throughout the ups and the downs ahead of us. I admire many things about Thomas, like his devotion to his kids, his passion for coaching, his discipline for striving towards big goals, and his empathy towards others. His love brings out the best in me, and I’m lucky to call him my husband-to-be. As we begin our lives together, I look forward to being side by side for all of life’s moments, both big and small.

Thomas’s Version:

I started a journey to self-awareness and growth later in life than many. The year following my Step-Fathers’ passing during COVID, I decided to follow an example he set in his own life. To get out of my head…back to nature…and into my body and heart. That decision led me to the Path of Love retreat in Loveland, Colorado. Right from their initial interview process, I knew this retreat would be different from others I had experienced. During that week I found courage to face fears, clarity on tough decisions I had wrestled with for years, and a sense of inner peace and acceptance that had long eluded me. I will forever be grateful for my time in Loveland as it brought several people into my life whom I will cherish and love for the rest of my life. And Morgan tops that list.

Our journey together from Loveland, Colorado to 14 Huntington Ridge in Bedford, NH includes many phone calls, Kenny Chesney, the Denver Broncos, a deranged psychologist body slamming people in a comic book store, hiking to 12,005 feet above sea level, camping trips in 3 states, a couple musicals, my first skiing trip, several foot races together, ayurvedic cleanses, traveling to meet many of each other’s family and friends before our engagement, approximately 15 roller coasters, sunflower fields, tasty food, craft festivals, unplanned visits to the ER, and enough moving boxes to last a lifetime. We have basked in the support of many, stood in the judgment of a few, and sat in the uncomfortable “in between” of others. We have cried and laughed together, frequently within the same hour, and she has become my best friend. I admire her quiet strength, devotion to helping others, fantastic sense of humor, non-judgmental approach to life, love for animals, and reverence of nature. The most remarkable thing about my relationship with Morgan is very easy for me to articulate. I can be me. As we begin our lives together, I look forward to being side by side for all of life’s moments, both big and small.

Penny’s Version:

I was born with big ears and a nose that doesn’t miss a morsel. When man-human and woman-human brought me to their home for the first time, they tried to tell me then that their names were Thomas and Morgan, but I wasn’t listening. I was listening to the sounds of the clocks in the house, and taste-testing my surroundings. It turns out that the window frame is surprisingly delicious… so is the couch… and the bookshelf. Man-human seems to be happy with me when I don’t pull on the leash, and woman-human is patient with me most of the time, except for when the voices in my head tell me to steal boy-humans slippers.

I’m a simple creature, I like sniffing around the yard for the silver squirrel, observing the birds in the feeder outside the window, and jumping on the humans when they are dancing in the kitchen. Zooming around the house at top speed is my sport of choice, but I’m starting to appreciate the calm and quiet moments when we snuggle on the couch. I’m told the wedding is outside and I’m invited, so I look forward to sniffing around the garden and looking for snacks!