The circumstances of our meeting almost didn't happen. Our close friend Rachel (who is officiating our wedding) invited us out to downtown Boise to celebrate her 27th birthday. Melissa almost didn't go. She had work in the morning and was not feeling particularly social that night. Brayden also was thinking about staying home. The only person Bray knew in the group was the birthday girl and he was knee deep in studying for his board exam. But we both sucked it up and persevered for our bestie.

As the night went on, we got to know each other. We talked about everything from dating shows, to the Barbie movie. Eventually, Melissa (sober) had to get home for work in the morning. Brayden offered to walk her to her car and smoothly asked for her number on the ride back to the bar. From that point forward, we didn't go more than a day without talking.

After our first date, we knew we wanted to give it a try-even though Mel had not one, but two migraines on our first and second dates. We went on so many dates in the month and a half before Brayden had to move north. We walked the green belt, got coffee, went to museums, ceramic painting- you name it! We were short on time, but it didn't matter.

We did one long year of long-distance dating. It was rough, but so worth it. We made sure to face time as much as we could. Doing long distance dates with paint by numbers and watching reality shows together. We were able to visit each other fairly frequently. Flying from Boise to Spokane was only an hour flight.

We already had great communication, but the long distance forced us to talk about EVERYTHING. Breaking down barriers and building an unbreakable bond between us. We truly are best friends.

Finally it came time for us to live in the same zip code again. Mel's lease was ending and we were ready to move in together. The whole family was involved in the move. Brayden and Mel's parents both helped load up the U-Haul and drive the 400 miles north. When we got there, Brayden's siblings helped get the U-Haul unloaded and up the stairs within an hour of arrival. It was only one flight of stairs, but after so many trips it becomes pretty exhausting. We're so grateful for everyone's help in this process.

Three weeks into living together, Brayden proposed to Mel in the gardens of Manito Park in Spokane. He orchestrated the surprise with the help of friends and family. Friends Hannah and Pat took Mel out on an unassuming girls-day in downtown Spokane. They unsuspiciously took her out to the park to "take pictures" and pictures were taken indeed. Brayden enlisted the help of his friend Dock to be his cover. Brayden' siblings Tanner, Taylor, and Brooklynn were there to keep corral bystanders and take pictures. The day was a full surprise to Mel, but the question itself was no shock. We had been talking about getting married for many months. It was an EASY yes. (more pics under the engagement photos tab ;)

A month later it was Mel's turn. Brayden had semi-jokingly expressed that he would also liked to be proposed to, but not with a ring. He wanted a sword. So Mel waited until Brayden was at work to set up the perfect at home surprise proposal.

Now we are living together in our cozy apartment in Coeur d' Alene, along with our cat, Jack. We spend time together watching reality TV, going to the gym, gaming, and crafting. Soon we will be married and starting Travel Physical Therapy to travel the country and find the city we would like to settle in.