Our story kicks off in Denver, CO, in October of 2021, where fate truly wove our paths together for the first time. Though we had crossed paths before, it was then that our love story truly began to unfold. I was immersed in design school in Denver, while Tanner was working in Tulsa, OK. However, a little trip in Winter Park a month later was where we made our relationship official and, with that, began the adventure of a long-distance relationship. For six months, we navigated the trials of a long-distance relationship, dreading those Sunday night drop-offs at Denver International Airport, each goodbye was a poignant reminder of how much we yearned to be together. Yet, every reunion made the distance worth it, and every shared moment felt like winning the lottery of love.

When I finished school, I took a leap of faith, applying to an architecture firm in Tulsa, and with a stroke of luck, I landed the job. It was a turning point in our story, as it meant we could finally be together full-time, and long-distance was finally over. With the help of my family, we packed up my things and began a new chapter together, settling into our charming house in Tulsa and savoring the joy of building a life side by side. After nearly a year of shared laughter, love, and countless adventures, we decided to expand our family with the addition of our lovable puppy, Niko. His boundless energy and affection brought even more warmth and joy into our home.

Our days are filled with adventure and laughter, from carving up snowy slopes in winter to exploring the great outdoors on camping trips in the warmer months. Our adventures have been nothing short of epic. We’ve embraced our passion for travel, exploring four countries together and eagerly counting the ones to come. Whether we’re exploring the beauty of nature or simply enjoying cozy evenings at home, every day together feels like a new adventure. Through every sunrise and sunset, every new experience, our love story continues to unfold, beautifully and endlessly. From the tender beginnings in Denver to our vibrant life in Tulsa, each day brings new opportunities for love, laughter, and exploration. Our story is one of patience, passion, and profound joy—a sweet testament to the power of love and the adventure of building a life together.

The day Tanner and I would take our relationship to the next level had been a dream of mine since the beginning of our journey together, but I never expected it to happen in the Bahamas. During a sun-soaked trip with his family in the breathtaking Bahamas, that moment I had longed for finally unfolded. After a delicious brunch filled with laughter, Tanner took my hand and led me to a serene spot on the pier, overlooking the crystal-clear blue water. With a playful glint in his eye, he suggested I grab my GoPro, a clever way to get me out there without raising any suspicions. I was totally oblivious, thinking we were just going to capture our typical vacation fun. As the gentle sound of waves caressed the shore, my breath caught when he surprised me by getting down on one knee. The world seemed to fade away as he asked for my hand in marriage. My heart soared with joy as I realized what was happening—it was more perfect and special than I could have ever imagined. Surrounded by the beauty of the island and the warmth of our loved ones, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and happiness. This moment, filled with laughter and happy tears, marked a beautiful turning point in our story. In that instant, I knew I would treasure this memory forever, a sweet reminder of the incredible love we share and the beginning of our forever. So thankful for that GoPro suggestion—it got the entire proposal on film, complete with random people “woohooing” from the beach!

Our story has such a lovely arc, from those bittersweet airport goodbyes to building a life together with our dog, Niko. Going through life together is the best! As we gear up to get married on June 28th—where it all began—we’re ready to turn our love story into an epic, hilarious saga. Here’s to more adventures, more laughter, and more moments where we look at each other and think, “Yep, this is exactly where I’m supposed to be!”