The First Date

Nicole and Brian met the modern way — on Hinge — though their first date felt anything but ordinary. Brian noticed on her profile that Nicole loved listening to vinyl, so he suggested they meet at a local record store. Nicole almost canceled — the date was far away, Brian wasn’t exactly the best texter, and he kept checking in just to make sure she was still coming. But something told her to go, and she’s so glad she did…

When they met, Nicole was struck by Brian’s good looks — and even more so by his thoughtfulness and emotional intelligence. Brian felt instantly at ease with Nicole, and they quickly bonded over their shared California roots, their experiences growing up in big families (both are one of four siblings), and a mutual commitment to personal growth and vulnerability. By the end of the date, Brian asked if she’d go out with him again — and she didn’t hesitate to say yes.

The Relationship

That first summer, their relationship deepened. They connected over their shared curiosity about the world, love of lists and calendars, commitment to physical and mental wellness — and their equally serious sweet tooths. They spent weekends exploring Colorado’s mountain towns and national parks, soaking up the scenery and each other’s company. In the fall, they took a trip to California to meet each other’s families — a milestone moment when it became clear that they were building something that could last forever.

Since then, they’ve built a life full of love and shared adventure — skiing in the winter, training for athletic events in the summer, wandering the Botanic Gardens (one of their favorite places), cooking together at home or trying new restaurants in the city, and exploring places like Mexico, London, Utah, New York, California, and of course, their beloved home of Colorado.

The Proposal

The proposal was the perfect surprise. Nicole had flown to Southern California for a loved one’s funeral, and the next day, she joined her family for a familiar hike they’d done countless times. As they paused at the overlook at the turnaround point, Brian and his parents suddenly appeared around the corner — having flown in that morning just to be there. Nicole had even checked Brian’s location earlier (he’d cleverly switched it to his iPad so it looked like he was still in Denver). The whole plan had been in the works for months, and despite a few close calls, Nicole was completely surprised. It was a deeply meaningful moment — full of presence, love and loved ones.

The Wedding

This summer, Nicole and Brian exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony in Buena Vista, Colorado, surrounded by the mountains they’ve come to love and their immediate family members. Their celebration reflected the values that matter most to them — family, connection, nature, and intentionality. They're excited to begin this next chapter, filled with gratitude for the journey that brought them here and a deep love that will be the strong foundation upon which they build their life together.

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