Whenever you're ready to meet the person of your dreams, just let us know - wasn't really what was said - but that's what happened. No one expects to meet the love of their life at your neighbor/best friend's 4:30pm chili potluck. In fact, if I had an inkling that was a possibility I might've done a little more with myself. That’s the start of what makes this story ours.

The next few weeks included dog-walks, dinner, bowling, & best friend heat-checks. New love is a powerful thing. Love that feels like it could have been there twenty years sooner. The kind of high-school first love, whether it was twenty/thirty years ago, or sprung in your thirties/forties, it felt like it & us were there all along. Over that winter, we shared our stories, telling each other about who we were before we met. Knowing that the stories we would tell going forward would include each other.

In those months we shared our passions & stresses, enjoying the path that we were walking together, taking steps in each other’s shoes. Amidst a springtime art run to Bozeman we found ourselves talking to a jeweler about putting their state gemstone into a ring. But until then, there were experiences & works to be created.

With summer, then fall, growing to a close, we took off to Montana again, for what had become the worst kept secret & longest proposal. At the top of a trail run in Paradise Valley, I asked if we could do all of this forever.

It’s been almost two years of a rolling, up-tempo pace. Meeting each other’s family & friends, trips & adventures, as well as making & letting things happen. Lots of hikes, runs, rides, art, camping, pups, floats, & drives. It’s been an endearing time, creating our world.

When we have the opportunity to get together & celebrate at the end of September, we’ll feel a sense of fulfillment & gratitude for the love we’ve found & the people who have supported us throughout our journey.