you, always

When Sydney and Mike first matched on Hinge, Mike was deep in the Adirondacks in New York with just enough signal to send one message a day. Their conversations unfolded like modern-day love letters—slow, thoughtful, and full of anticipation. They joked about being pen pals and something real began to take shape. When Mike finally returned to Idaho, they made plans for their first date at Williams Park, a dog park conveniently next to Sydney’s house. Naturally, Poppy came along, making it immediately clear that Sydney was actually the third wheel. It was August 17, 2022—over 90 degrees and entirely too hot to be making a first impression—but that didn’t seem to matter. They talked, laughed, and sweated through the afternoon, and when Mike showed up with a bottle of red wine and treats for Poppy, Sydney knew this was different. From that day forward, life just felt better together. Their days filled with long Greenbelt walks, afternoons at the park with the pups, and brewery weekends. Evenings meant heated games of Monopoly Deal (Mike plays to win, Sydney plays to keep it fun), never missing a Yankees or Boise State game, and planning their next meal—because if there’s one thing they love as much as each other, it’s food. Slow Sunday mornings with coffee in hand became a tradition, a rare quiet moment before another busy week. Craving the comfort of simply being together, it became clear—this wasn’t just easy, it was right. Sydney and Mike are opposites in all the best ways. Mike is steady, thoughtful, and grounded; Sydney is warm, a connector, and always making sure everyone feels included. They push each other, balance each other, and challenge each other in ways that make life richer. Sydney and Mike have always been independent, but together, they’ve created something even more meaningful—a love where they are fully known, fully supported, and better in each other’s presence. Theirs is a partnership that doesn’t diminish who they are but instead amplifies the best in both of them. Independence has always been part of who they are, but together, they have found something even greater— doing life together. Over time, their home team grew—first with Lava, then with moving in together, and finally, on Valentine’s Day two years later, with Mike’s proposal. Now, they can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with some of their most special people in a place so special to them. Why McCall McCall isn’t just a beautiful backdrop for their wedding—it’s a place that feels like them. It was the first trip they took together, a weekend filled with everything they love most: long nature walks, good food, and just the right amount of adventure. They wandered through Ponderosa State Park, taking in the stunning lake views, spent the afternoon with beers and chicken tenders at McCall Brewing, and ended the day with cocktails and a cozy date night at The Shore Lodge. It was the kind of place where everything felt easy, where they could just be. When it came time to choose where to start this next chapter, there was no question—McCall was it. A place that holds some of their favorite memories, and now, one they get to share with the people who mean the most to them.