We're getting married!

Erin and Ross were, at first, just two members of the Carleton College Swim Team. Erin was a sophomore when Ross started as a freshman in the Fall of 2010. While on the swim team, they began to foster what would become a lifelong partnership. As confidantes for each other's *ample* relationship woes, they were able to develop a close platonic friendship. They did not realize at the time, however, that they had become best friends! It was one year after they both graduated that a romance started to blossom between them, and because their relationship was built on a strong foundation of friendship, it could only go up from there!

After establishing their new romance in June 2015, Ross and Erin were faced with their first challenge: long distance! Erin was in the second year of her PhD program at CU-Boulder, and Ross was starting his Master's at the University of Oregon. At a little more than one thousand miles apart, it made in-person dates between them quite difficult. Able to see each other only between terms and on summer break, Ross and Erin made due with FaceTime and phone calls the first three years of their relationship! One hour every day at dinner was their modus operandi, as grad school kept them busy enough for two. Long distance, however, was a blessing in disguise. It allowed Ross and Erin to hone their communication skills and cherish the time they were able to spend together. Plus, it gave them an excuse to see as many national parks as they could during breaks (see photos tab)!

In 2018, new jobs took Ross and Erin east to Halifax, Nova Scotia! Over the last year they have been eating their way through the local brunch restaurants, joined a masters swim team, and have spent time exploring the outdoors. This year, Ross and Erin decided to forgo traveling at Christmas to spend the holiday season together in Halifax. Leading up to the Winter Solstice, Ross *insisted* they return to one of their favorite hiking trails. Erin was suspicious since she knew Ross had recently been working on a 'secret' project. On the hike, however, Erin started second guessing herself as they passed many scenic vistas with no proposal! At mile 4 of 10, the sun came out and Ross asked Erin to sit next to him. Ross asked Erin to be his partner for life and she said yes! Now, Ross and Erin cannot be more excited to share their wedding celebration with their friends and family! And while they may not know what the future holds, they're confident that they can accomplish anything together!