How did your love story begin?

We met on a bus on our way to work on Snowmass Mountain in Colorado. We were sitting across from each other and I stuck up a conversation with Alessandra. We talked that whole bus ride. We had instant chemistry!

The next three months was an intellectual game of cat and mouse - Both of us had an insatiable urge to stay connected to one another - and both of us, were in a chapter of redefining healthy boundaries in our lives.

Alessandra's determination, patience, and readiness to accept my... "unique"... personality traits were early and powerful 'green flags'.

As we continued to talk, go on dates (hikes around Aspen, New Year's fireworks show, time together when I was working with Ascendigo and other community events) I was continuously blown away by the character of this person I was beginning to "see".

She was physically powerful - hiking long distances uphill with ski equipment, groceries, and personal belongings. Mentally astute, demonstrating high levels of emotional and self-awareness. Our conversations were anything but surface level. I would often ask deep and honestly, overly personal questions - her beliefs in life, her faith, her desired future, thoughts on family, children, marriage - she was shy to nothing and answered honestly and powerfully every single time.

Even with the insight into Alessandra's character and personality, I tried to run, to hide my face from love.

Thanks be to God He did not let me forget her. He did not allow her heart to become cold in waiting for my own to thaw.

My questions were answered and my doubt erased on our first time praying together. We had finished hiking to the top of Aspen, Colorado's Ute Trail. While standing on top of one of its highest points, we stopped a moment. It had been an overcast day since early that morning. As if cued by a theatre director with access to lighting and curtain pulleys - the clouds parted, and sunshine poured down upon us in prayer. On our final words, the overcast day returned.

Something similar would happen once again on the day of our engagement. The near still waters of Ogalala Lake came powerfully alive IMMEDIATELY at the acceptance of my proposal of marriage. The lake itself leapt for joy and the winds blew in celebration. It was truly a divine experience.

Since the proposal - Alessandra and I have traveled halfway across the country experiencing national landmarks like the Arch in St. Louis, KC BBQ, and finally arriving in beautiful Webster, NY outside of Rochester. We now live with our grandmother and family matriarch - Pat.

We are very excited to share our marriage with you all. :)