“We met in graduate school at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. We were friends for a year before we started dating but the first time we met was at a Friday Fest concert in downtown Greeley where I saw Austen dancing (we affectionately call it “noodling”) in the street.”

 “Normally Austen would write this, but since he just started medical school he’s little busy right now so I’ll take the liberty… Austen’s proposal was perfect. I had just moved all of our stuff up to Jackson Hole, WY (where Austen was already living and where I was moving to be with him) and we were back in Colorado for a few days because we both were flying out of DIA soon (Austen was going home to visit his brand new niece! and I was about to fly to Hawaii for work). We were in Breckenridge under the pretense that Austen’s sister and brother-in-law were in town for their anniversary and we were going to meet up with them, but before they got into town we decided to go on a hike to Mohawk Lakes. We hiked to lower Mohawk Lake and then decided to go to upper Mohawk Lake. When we got up to upper Mohawk Lake Austen spotted a marmot (my spirit animal – because, I too, am chubby and like to bark at people) and gave me his binoculars to try and spot the critter. I looked and looked and looked but couldn’t spot this stupid marmot (to this day I think Austen might have made it up but he’s adamant that he didn’t). I slowly put down the binoculars and started to turn to Austen. That’s when I realized he was down on one knee!! (And apparently had been for some time…whoopsies!) And then he asked me to be his adventure buddy for life and I said yes. Afterwards we went fishing (and by fishing I mean Austen fished and I stared at the beautiful ring he had given me as symbol of our unending love for each other) and Austen caught a HUGE fish. After our “hike” there was a surprise engagement party with my sisters and Austen’s sister and brother-in-law and cousins. It really was perfect.”

 “Austen managed to lure me out of the lab for our first official date with two irresistible things: puppies and donuts! Austen and I munched on donuts and drove down to Colorado Springs to play with the sweetest bunch of German Shepherd puppies you’ve ever met. Needless to say, I was anxious to lock this guy down ASAP.”

“The day was such a blur! But really the most memorable part of the day (or at least the wedding) for me was when our pastor was reciting Corinthians 13. Austen’s best man was his father so he was standing just behind Austen. As our pastor was reciting Corinthians both Austen and his dad were mouthing the words together as he read. Neither Austen nor his dad knew the other one was also mouthing the verse. It was a very sweet and special moment for me to see right before we said our vows.”

 “Austen and I have spent a lot of time in Breckenridge together and because it’s such a special place to us we wanted to get married there. Windy Point was an ideal fit for us for a number of reasons but we especially liked it because it’s such a beautiful, intimate, outdoor space.”

 “One of my favorite parts was going to Breckenridge to look at venues. We set up a tour of venues with the Breckenridge tourism office and they were great! After our tour, our guide took us out to eat and bought us a drink – we felt very spoiled. I also really enjoyed getting to taste test wine and cupcakes. I think one of Austen’s favorite parts was choosing a band. All he wanted for our wedding was a funk band and my-oh-my did he pick a good one!”

 Brandee: “Not planning a wedding! and having my adventure buddy for life.” 🙂

 “Direct quote from Austen when I asked him to sum up our ceremony in one word: “Excellent, urm no, lovely. Wait, maybe say perfect.”

 “Just remember, what happens after the wedding is more important than the wedding itself, it’s the marriage that matters (advice from my mom)!”