Mario & Payton's paths crossed at Harvest Fellowship...

They met in 2018, but didn't fall in love until a bit later ;)

Mario joined the staff at Harvest Fellowship church in 2020. Payton remembers the first time they had a decent amount of time together one on one. Let's just say, sparks were not flying. But like any good love story, that was only the beginning. As Payton & Mario served in youth & worship ministry, overtime a friendship emerged. Mario had a realization one night in 2021 after meeting with some guys that He liked Payton! This didn't come up with Payton until March of 2022 when some of their high school students started pointing out their flirty behavior with one another on a retreat. Payton was cornered in a cabin by one of the girls and was asked if she liked Mario. She thought for a moment and realized that her flirty behavior did indeed communicate more than just friend-like interest in Mario. She realized that maybe she did. Mario and Payton had a conversation about it shortly after and had a short stint of dating that ended rather abruptly because Payton wasn't sure about dating Mario. But Mario wouldn't give up that easily! Some months later, after they both had some time to think about what kind of relationship they wanted to pursue, they couldn't get away from the thought of the other. They officially started dating in January of 2023. It didn't take much time for them to realize that this relationship was the real deal... but it wasn't an easy journey to get to where they are at now. In January of 2024 they got engaged at Chautauqua Park in Boulder. However, like any romantic relationship, there were things both of them had to learn, grow in and overcome together (like calling off their first engagement). After taking some time to address some things Mario proposed to Payton on December 19th, 2024. That about brings us to today and if you read through this short summary of the jubilant couple's story until the end Payton and Mario want you to know that this has been a long time coming and that they are so glad that you are here with them for it!