Our story began before we knew it. On July 13th 2015 we were on the same coach bus traveling to a youth group camp in Michigan. We met that week during an all camp activity, we were randomly paired up to be partners in a piggy-back relay race! You can imagine how awkward a piggy-back ride from a stranger is.. right? Fast forward- We returned from camp and started hanging out every day with a group of friends. Not knowing the two of us would spend the rest of our lives together! We became inseparable that summer, and began dating on December 13th 2015.

In September of 2022, we went to Denver CO to visit some friends. On Saturday the 10th, we all went to Rocky Mountain National Park for a hike. Abby’s side~ I was super excited for the hike and had no idea he was going to propose (although I thought he might during that trip). We made it to a gorgeous waterfall and Alex wanted me to climb down closer to the waterfall. I was terrified, but after some persuasion from my friend, I made it down there. I walked as close as I could to the waterfall and was admiring it when I heard Alex say “Abby Jean” I turned around and he was on one knee! And the rest is history… because we were both so nervous/excited we can’t remember what he said! Alex’s side~ The whole day is a blur honestly. The two hour drive to the state park in stop and go traffic made my already violent stomach go into all out war. And then we got to the park, and the real nerves kicked in. I think the main reason for being so nervous was due to having no true plan at this point. I knew I wanted to do it while hiking but still didn’t know a specific spot and had no idea what I was gonna say, but I figured I’d know it when I see it and that the right words would come to me. Once we got to the waterfall and finally convinced Abby to climb a bit off the path and get closer, I gave our friends the most subtle of nods to let them know this was the spot. I then casually brought Abby over to the edge and suggested a photo. While she was peering over the edge I went down on one knee and waited for her to turn back and see me. After waiting for what felt like an eternity I finally just called out “Abby Jean” and she turned around and saw me. From there is where it gets blurry. I don’t remember what I said and I still can’t believe it went as smoothly as it did but she said yes and there was an immediate sense of relief.