Ben and I met in the fall of 2021 while working together at a local coffee shop. We spent a lot of time in the kitchen together and bonded over conversations about music, travel, and food. Many people told us that we should date. We didn’t listen.

Over the next year, we developed a friendship that included copious amounts of pizza, concerts, meteor showers and hikes. At the end of the summer of 2022, after several definitely not dates, Ben asked me if I would like to go on a date with him. I smoothly replied “oh…okay” (Don’t worry, I was quite excited).

Our first date was dinner and afterward we jumped right into a busy season of running errands, painting my new home, Ben traveling for work, and holidays with our families. Some of our favorite dating memories include snowboarding, a road trip to Tennessee, hiking adventures around Colorado, sitting at coffee shops, making delicious food together, going white water rafting, and watching movies.

In February 2024, Ben mentioned that he wanted to go on a hike the follow weekend. The weather report started predicting 6” or more of snow for that day, but he was strangely (suspiciously) insistent that we at least go for a drive. That morning turned out to be beautiful and sunny. Ben drove us up Rampart Range Road in Woodland Park and we precariously slid up roads that have never seen a snowplow. After coming to a particularly treacherous spot in the road, Ben turned the car around—and we got stuck.

After 20 minutes of digging out the car, we were enjoying the scenery when Ben got down on one knee. He gave a beautiful speech-of which I can't remember a word- but I remember it being sweet and lovely and perfect.

Ben had arranged for a surprise party afterwards with both of our families (missing a few of our loved ones), and it was the perfect day. Our relationship has always been based on friendship, laughter, silliness and adventures. Our engagement day included all of that.

We’re so excited to celebrate our wedding with all of you and can’t wait to commit to each other before God and our loved ones!