When I met Steph at our old climbing gym in Winston, my first thoughts were: "She's beautiful. She's funny. She's kind. She's easy to talk to. She loves climbing as much as I do! I've got no chance." For those who don't spend a lot of time in climbing gyms, there's an unwritten rule that people are supposed to follow - you never, ever, ask someone out at the gym. It's weird and it can make the other person uncomfortable in what should be a place of solace and training. Bearing that in mind, I devised a plan to ingratiate myself to Steph and ask her out without, you know, actually asking her out.

When I noticed her climbing shoes were in terrible shape, I offered to give her a pair I had that were too small for me, but would fit her. This was my super smooth plan to show her what a nice person I am. She said no thanks, probably because that is a very strange thing to offer, but she nevertheless still gave me the time of day when we saw each other at the gym. I persevered, and one fateful day summoned up the courage to ask if she had any plans later. She said no, and asked me if I did. Because I am a romantic genius, I replied that yes, I did in fact have plans later. Somehow, this conversation did not generate a date. Baffling.

Then covid happened and the gym shut down. Our connection was severed, and we drifted through the fever dream of quarantine separately, with me cursing myself for not concocting a better "ask her out without asking her out" plan, and with Steph wondering why in the world I never asked for her number (see above regarding my romantic genius). Thankfully, fate was not finished with us yet, and when it saw fit to weave our disparate threads back together, it dawned on me that I would never forgive myself if I didn't seize the opportunity. We met up for coffee, and the rest is history!

Without getting too sappy here, I never knew how good a life could be until Steph and I started sharing ours together. We fulfill and complete each other in ways that are impossible to put into words. We elevate each other's successes and victories, and our support for each other ensures that there is no challenge we can't overcome. On a regular basis, we make each other laugh so hard it hurts.

Neither of us could have become such great partners for each other without the love and support you all have given to us, both as individual people and as partners. We can't wait to celebrate that partnership and our love with all of you on our wedding day!