We got married in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado on September 5th, 2020. We followed COVID-19 protocols and had an intimate wedding with close family and friends. We woke up to a sunny and hot day with blue skies and no hint of wildfire smoke. Lauren's Starbucks order was misprinted, misspelled, and caused a few giggles at the salon. Lauren was able to have a Zoom "cheers" with best friends and bridesmaids who couldn't make it to the wedding while getting her hair done. During this, Tom made a charcuterie board, got in his suit, and had a beer with his Best Man, Chris. We had a "first look" outside of our Steamboat Springs Airbnb, then headed up to Rabbit Ears Pass for the wedding ceremony! We didn't reserve a spot for our wedding ceremony, so we had a caravan drive through the National Forest to find the perfect overlook. Once that was found, everyone grabbed chairs, set up music, and the ceremony was on! Chris (Tom's Best Man), Krissy (Tom's sister and Lauren's Maid of Honor), and Emily (Lauren's sister and Maid of Honor) married us. We were so elated and happy tears flowed. Those in attendance all pronounced us as Mr. & Mrs. Welle! The rest of the day consisted of photos, champagne, and plenty of love. We felt so happy to have toasts, first dances, and some "Uptown Funk" playing. We all boogied the night away and even met up with some friends who were in town later that evening for some dancing and games! The entire day was perfect. While we are disappointed we couldn't celebrate with everyone, we do understand the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the work we ALL have to do to be safe and take care of one another. We feel so loved by your words of encouragement, hugs from afar, and support moving forward. We miss you all and hope we can celebrate in our own little ways moving forward!

The adventurous couple & their fearless dog went for their first backpacking trip together (Lauren and Ruby's first-ever) in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area in Colorado. The first day was glorious - hot and sunny, wildflowers in full bloom, elevation gains and some light rain, and their first backcountry campsite. Day two was the big climb up to the top of the mountains. The mountain tops are aptly-named the Flat Tops because they're steep with a giant plateau at the top. After a few hours of switchbacks and barely being able to breathe, they finally made it to the top! The reviews of this hike had said the trail is easy to lose at this point, but Tom felt up to the challenge. They followed what they thought was the trail for about a mile... and then it disappeared. They hiked in one direction for an hour and found trails, but not the right ones. They were lost. After about an hour of hiking, Lauren threw down her pack and began to cry. Tom looked up to the west and noticed a black cloud coming towards them. Rain jackets on, they trudged back the way they came. As rain came pelting down, Lauren put her rain cover on her pack. Lightning struck at the same time as thunder bellowed maybe 50 yards away. Hail followed shortly thereafter, Ruby hid under Tom's legs, and Lauren's panic attack while running was likely an entertaining sight. After 30 minutes, the rain subsided and the trail was found. Lauren, Tom, and Ruby were alive!! Lauren and Tom made a quick plan to hike down to an overlook spot to camp and eat some well-deserved lunch. Finally, after getting to the overlook, the clouds opened up, and Lauren observed all the beauty below. Tom kneeled behind Lauren and said, "Hey, Lauren. I have a question..." to which Lauren answered "YES!" -- they were engaged! Storms came again and Lauren, Tom, and Ruby camped next to the lake from night one, and walked out of the mountains on day three with a beautiful ring and a near-death engagement story for all to hear!

The year was 2010, and Lauren and Tom were both freshmen at the University of Minnesota. Lauren's roommate, Vicky, was spending time with her then-boyfriend, Mitch, and Tom came along. Tom made punny jokes while they all watched Harry Potter 6. Tom (somewhat begrudgingly) made Lauren laugh. Years of friendship and psychology classes came and went, where both had wondered if this friendship based on dad jokes and deep conversations could turn into more. Then, in 2014, over a bottle of Old Granddad's whiskey and Lord of the Rings: Two Towers, they began their dating relationship. And the rest, as they say, is history! Tom and Lauren now live in the Yampa Valley of Northwest Colorado with their dog, Ruby, and absolutely love it. They both love serving people - Tom is a Counselor and Lauren is a Social Worker - and getting outdoors on the weekends. "From our journey to yours, we can't wait to celebrate together!"