Like many 21st century couples, Tyler and Olivia first met on an online dating app. Unlike many couples, they so happened to bump into each other at a music event ahead of their scheduled first date. Unbeknownst to him, Tyler was already speaking Olivia's love language that evening by sharing healthy, organic food with her, and Olivia sparked Tyler's interest with intriguing questions and compelling conversation, not to mention her beautiful smile. After dancing together and connecting, their original first date for an 8pm cocktail was adjusted to a 6pm dinner the following week - and the rest is history. Tyler and Olivia's many common interests laid the foundation for their relationship, such as their shared love for nature and hiking, leading a healthy lifestyle, and listening to a wide variety of music. But over time, as the deeper values began to show, that's when they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Tyler and Olivia embrace and support each other's interests and differences, allow each other to change and grow with time, and have a general orientation toward keeping life simple and focused on the things that really matter: family, friends, and connecting with the great outdoors.

It's not easy to surprise Olivia, especially since Tyler and she had been talking about getting married for some time. But Tyler was committed. Over their second anniversary weekend, Tyler booked a room in a beautiful, historic hotel in La Jolla that Olivia had always wanted to stay at. They spent the evening reflecting on how far they had grown together as a couple and what the future holds for them over a top-notch dinner. Olivia was thrilled, thinking that Tyler may propose that night, and even made a comment about him proposing in the middle of the restaurant! But after dinner and a quick dessert next door, the evening was over, and Olivia was noticably disappointed, thinking to herself, "If not now, then when?" They returned to the hotel, and upon opening the door to their top-floor room, Olivia shrieked with surprise as she saw thousands of red rose petals leading the way into the room, lined with candles. A huge bouquet of flowers was on the nightstand with a canvas print of their favorite photos together, and on the bed sat a velvet ring box dotting the center of a heart made of rose petals. There, Tyler proposed to Olivia, and the joy of successfully surprising her that evening was only surpassed by the rush of slipping a ring on her finger for the first time.

Neither Tyler nor Olivia ever dreamed of having a big, traditional wedding. The idea of planning the event for many months and spending a year's worth of savings was a mountain they weren't interested in climbing. But a mountain that they WERE interested in climbing was nestled in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. On October 20, 2023, Olivia and Tyler held a private elopement ceremony in the mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado. They were thrilled to exchange vows and commit the rest of the lives to each other with only the wind between the trees and birds singing in celebration. They both would like you to know that all of their friends and family were held close to their hearts throughout the ceremony. We hope you enjoy our photos from the ceremony found on the Gallery page of this website!

San Diego will always hold a very special place in Tyler and Olivia's hearts, not least because it's where they first met. But San Diego has never been their "forever" place, and it's time for them to forge ahead into the next chapter of their lives. The next step Tyler and Olivia are taking is buying a house and putting down roots in Grand Rapids, Michigan to lay the foundation for having children in the next couple of years. They envision collecting rainwater, growing some of their own food, and maybe even keeping hens for eggs. Tyler and Olivia plan to raise children with dirt on their bare feet and the love of nature in their hearts. Realizing this vision for their lives together is at the top of their minds, but of course, such a dream costs money. In January 2024, Tyler and Olivia will be living with Tyler's parents for a handful of months to save up before the big move. If you feel called to support them in the next chapter of their lives, they would be incredibly grateful for any and all contributions to their Registry linked above on this website.