It all began in early April 2023 in the mountains of West Virginia- Blackwater Falls. A place with no cell service, where you're more likely to spot wildlife than people. Rachael was enjoying a solo hike, savoring the peaceful, scenic solitude. Scott, meanwhile, was in the area on military orders and had the day off to explore with his buddies (and yes, you can confirm this story with them at the wedding—they witnessed it!).

Scott spotted Rachael on the trail and later described her as “the happiest girl I’ve ever seen.” But he hesitated, unsure if approaching a solo female hiker would be odd.

Rachael had no idea he had spotted her the exact moment she was taking this photo. Before he could act, she had already made her way back up the trail. Fortunately, fate had other plans.

After her hike, Rachael felt drawn to a sunny picnic table, as if it was calling her to “be present, be here.” It was an overwhelming feeling she couldn’t quite explain, but she didn't argue and enjoyed soaking in the sunlight for about 20 minutes. Around that time, Scott finally reached the top—and there she was again. It felt like the universe was giving him a second chance. As Scott puts it, “my legs just moved on their own,” and he seized the moment to introduce himself to the woman he somehow already knew was the one.

The very next day, we went on our first date—another hike/waterfall- Douglas Falls, and started the beginning of our incredible journey together. Although their first date didn't go the way we expected it to go....

We were so lost in deep conversation with each other during the hike, that we didn't notice something important go missing. After the hike, we headed out for dinner when Rachael realized her debit card and ID which were once in her pockets, were now lost. Understandably, she was mortified. However, Scott, ever the selfless man, comforted her and insisted to help search for it. As we retraced our steps along the trail, it suddenly got very dark. A downpour caught us off guard, sending us running through the rain, laughing and drenched to the bone. It felt like a moment pulled straight from a romantic movie—a stressful situation transformed into an unforgettable memory. Suddenly, the lost cards no longer seemed to matter. Though Rachael's belongings were never recovered, we discovered something far more priceless—something that could never be lost. A soulmate.

The day we made it an official relationship! In Lost City, WV... a funny tribute to our first date. Can you guess why?

We truly couldn’t have found a better soulmate in each other, we thank God every day for allowing our paths to cross—quite literally.

Leaving our "mark" - A 1st day anniversary note left in the community sightseeing binder!

Blackwater Falls- 1 year later. We went back to where it all started, just to recreate the photo now as a couple.

Scott graduated college and decided a tropical cruise sounded like a perfect retreat to celebrate. Rachael had no clue he had other plans. He popped the big question in the Bahamas at Half Moon Cay!

Scott had a custom ring crafted, featuring delicate vines entwining around the diamond—a perfect symbol for a true nature lover!

We started our "family" after visiting a cat cafe in Harrisonburg, Virginia. As you can see in the bottom right corner, Scott fell in love with Paisley. When we found out that Paisley was adoptable but also needed a friend, we adopted Kolby Jack and Paisley as a pair. They are even harness-trained and ready to travel alongside us.

Since then, we have been exploring the world and ready for a lifetime of adventures. We can’t wait to share the enchanting beauty and charm of West Virginia with everyone at our wedding!!!