Both Malcolm and Jess grew up in Telluride, CO, a tiny mountain town of about 2,500 people. They first met in Kindergarten and were friends all the way through their high school graduation. Malcolm and Jess enjoyed running track together, participating in musical theater together (ask them to reenact their roles as Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion), and overall were in the same friend group for many years. Despite knowing each other for over a decade, the pair had no initial spark. Until...

In 2019, Malcolm and Jess found themselves living in Telluride once again and became closer and closer. The pair spent the summer together, hiking, camping, rafting, playing volleyball, trying every restaurant in town, and ultimately falling in love. After a mere three months of dating, Malcolm asked Jess to move to Bend, Oregon with him to begin their journey as a couple. Flash forward four years and the pair are still loving life in Bend with their sweet dog, Stella.

On May 7th, 2023 Malcolm suggested that he and Jess visit Smith Rock state park to picnic and play games. They set up their camping chairs and picnic blanket and settled in to play a game of scrabble on that beautiful afternoon. While Jess was plotting her next move, Malcolm was texting a friend to make sure they were in place to take a video and photos of the big surprise. On his next turn, Malcolm pulled out a few too many tiles, to which Jess immediately flagged for cheating! But to her excitement, the words on the board spelled, "Marry Me" and Malcolm was getting down on one knee. They were showered with love via phone calls, texts, and social media which made the day even happier. May 7th will always be a special day to remember that was full of love, laughter, tears, and excitement!

Malcolm and Jess have a deep love for Europe after having lived there (separately) and traveled together to some of their favorite countries. When reflecting on their hopes and dreams for their wedding, they knew that Italy would check all of the boxes: delicious food, outstanding scenery, culture & history, and wine!! Castello Brancaccio will be the perfect venue for their fairytale wedding to become a dream come true.