A brief note: As you all know, Ali and Carol are an LGBTQ couple. Due to the ever changing political climate and concern for possible law changes, Ali and Carol decided to have a small legal marriage ceremony at Los Poblanos Farm on November 4, 2022. On a Sunday afternoon, after the decision to overturn Roe v Wade was made by the Supreme Court, Ali sat on the couch reading the New York Times article about this decision and turned to look at Carol and said "I guess we better do it." After that very romantic proposal, they decided on the date November 4, 2022; this date would allow them to legally marry before the NM Governor Election, as their main concern was the NM Governor election could have a change on state law for marriage equality. This elopement was solely a legal place holder and they are very much looking forward to getting to celebrate with each and every one of you on November 4, 2023! So now on to how they met... They were each the first person they met on the first day of medical school. Carol: Ali seemed shy and reserved the first time I met her but when she declined to show up for the "suggested" kickball game to welcome the new medical school class and then cleverly showed up just in time for the post game barbecue, I knew she was someone I had to get to know! Ali continued to surprise me, never fitting into any box you might think she would go in. She was very well put together but not afraid to go hiking, camping, backpacking, or even to Kenya for a MONTH! She is very smart and so humble. Our relationship, starting on that first day of medical school, began with two friends suffering through the trials and tribulations of medical school. After a year and a half of never going more than one day without seeing or talking to each other, I knew my friendship with Ali was different from anything I had ever experienced. Ali was worth the risk to change my life forever. Ali has been with me for my highest highs and lowest lows. Ali was with me every step of the way through the tough times of medical school and residency, and recently losing Norman, to graduating from medical school, residency, and starting my career at the VA. She continues to support my career but most importantly she continues to be my best friend and makes me feel that there is nothing we cannot conquer together! So now 3 cats and 11 years later, we got married, and now we cannot wait to celebrate with you all at our official wedding celebration! Alison: Carol was the first person I saw when I showed up for the meet and greet for my first day of medical school. I have to say, this was the first and only time, throughout our relationship, she would ever be earlier than me to anything. The first thing that stood out to me was how smart and quick witted Carol was. Even in the most intense times she could make me laugh. From the first time we met, it just felt like we had known each other for a long time. Even though her humor is what drew me to her, her kindness and sincerity is what made me start to question if our friendship could be more. The first decade of our medical careers proved to be very challenging and our relationship has been one of the biggest sources of strength for me. Despite these challenges, we have made some of the most wonderful memories, and I would not trade those experiences for anything. Now I look forward to celebrating with our friends and families in November!

Cottonwood Pavilion at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa