We met in Big Sky, Montana after both making huge life changes during the pandemic—Jess from LA, Chuckie from the East Coast. A mutual friend connected us as climbing partners, and our friendship quickly grew. We mentored each other on the rock and the slopes, and slowly realized we were the perfect team. We pushed each other, supported each other, and grew together in all the ways that matter. We were chasing a different kind of life, and managed to find it in each other.

Our favorite memory is climbing White Lightning in Joshua Tree. After topping out under a bluish-pink sky, Jess cracked a Twisted Tea and kicked off their shoes—unaware Chuckie was behind fumbling for a ring. Jess was sure it was a prank when he dropped to one knee. Drunk on love, disbelief, and warm champagne from a backpack, we scrambled to the Hidden Valley “space station” to write our story in the community journal, ending our night celebrating at the Saloon with friends.

We'd start with a trip to one of our bucket list spots—either surfing powder in Japan or deep water soloing on the limestone cliffs of Mallorca, Spain. We'd be sure to bring our adventure buddies along for the ride, too! The rest would go into savings for whatever comes next, whether that’s a home, starting a family, or just having the flexibility to say yes to the next opportunity.