Excited to share this moment with all we love!

They met with a little help from the internet. After scrolling through photos of Mark, it became apparent to Alex that Mark was very handsome, close with his friends, and had a common interest in rock climbing. One photo stood out in particular, Mark sitting next to a sweet looking pupper. So to Marks disbelief, Alex instigated the conversation and that turned into talking non-stop for about two weeks until they met for their first date. Their first date was set at Brighton Bodega, which was selected because Mark, being the sweet guy that he is, said it was equidistant to both of them (little did Alex know, this restaurant was 2 min away from him and 15 min away from her haha). Both were extremely nervous for their date, but once they set their eyes on one another outside the restaurant and hugged for the first time, all of the nerves seemed to melt away. A sense of familiarity washed over them as if they've known each other forever. That is what made their evening together so special, they were able to just talk and laugh as if they were old friends reuniting. When their evening came to an end, it was certain, they would be seeing more of each other and their connection was special. From that moment on, Alex and Mark became inseparable. They quickly began to form a tight bond and make memories together that will last a lifetime. Most notably was their first trip back to Alex's families home in New Mexico to celebrate Christmas. Unbeknownst to Alex, this trip would change their lives forever. Mark knew after a few months of dating that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Alex. Leading up to the trip, Mark was planning (with the help of Alex's sister Sammie), the most perfect way to propose. To Mark, the location where he would propose had to be on her turf, where Alex grew as an individual. Mark had lunch with father Chips, mother Lynn, and brother Mikey to tell them how he felt about Alex and ask their permission if he could marry her. They of course obliged and Mark thought the hardest part was over, but surely he was wrong. Alex had always told Mark about the sunsets in New Mexico, and that no place in the world had better ones. Alex, Mark, Sammie, and her partner Cody set off for a short hike in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains right before sunset. With no particular place set out, it was on Mark to decide the perfect location to ask for Alex's hand in marriage. As the sun was setting, Sammie was secretly taking photos during the hike and Alex was taken by surprise when she saw Mark get down on one knee. She immediately shouted "What are you doing?!" in a surprised, yet extremely happy tone that Mark will never forget. If you ask Mark what he said to Alex, he will never remember. However what he does remember is fighting back tears of happiness and blurting out "Will you marry me?" She of course said yes. And from there on out, they've sought to build their lives and foster their love for their endless journey in life together. Alex and Mark can't wait to gather with everyone they love and celebrate their wedding in the Land of Enchantment, NM.