Connect How did your love story begin?

The way the best love stories begin: as friends. A mutual introduced us on NYE 2013, and we instantly clicked. Even without naming it, we became best friends over our 20s: paired up during friend group activities, tagging along with each for adventures, just hanging out…we were close. We learned a lot about each other, and in summer 2019, we learned each saw the other as more than a friend. It took fits and starts, but in 2020 we finally started dating, and got engaged this March!

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

Amaryl's mountain side proposal was simply magical. The two of us were on a Jeep tour of the Rockies, and our final stop for the day was at Bear Lake: a large, frozen-over lake in a clearing surrounded by snow-dusted pine trees and enclosed by the Rockies themselves. It was snowing, too, in just the right amount that being on the lake felt like being in a snowglobe. Audrey thought the moment couldn't be better until Amaryl told her, "Hey, take off your glove. I want to ask you to marry me."

What would you do with $20,000?

Well, like anyone under 45, part of it would go to student loans, but we'd also put some into community aid. Another part would go toward our wedding, since we're getting married in front of family, friends, and neon at the American Sign Museum next year. And, so that we could both be our happiest, the money would also go toward Amaryl's top surgery. Audrey would likely upgrade the flower package for the big day, too.