It all started because two people loved dogs.

Michelle first met Niki through her dog daycare, and her first impression wasn’t exactly “future wife.” In fact, she thought Niki wasn’t all that friendly. Meanwhile, Niki always found herself at a loss for words and was trying to be professional around a client she had a crush on. Apparently, she overdid it.

Somewhere along the way, Michelle found herself looking forward to seeing Niki just a little more than she expected. Conversations lingered, neither was in much of a hurry to say goodbye. Thankfully, they kept talking. Everyday drop-offs turned into longer conversations and a slow burn friendship neither of them had expected.

Then Michelle asked if she hiked. “If you consider old logging roads hiking,” Niki said. “But I’d scale a rock bluff for a good view.” Apparently, that was the right answer.

Eventually, friendship became something more. There was chemistry, a feeling of being understood, and a growing desire to spend pretty much all their time together.

Michelle fell for Niki’s free spirit, slightly feral tendencies, and firm belief that “send it” counts as a plan. Niki fell for Michelle’s calm, steady presence, and the fact that she was always up for an adventure but would know exactly where they were going, how to get there, and what to bring.

They weren’t quite the same kind of adventurous, but they wanted to go together. And somewhere between the everyday moments and the bigger adventures, they started imagining a whole life that way.

In September 2025, they headed for what was going to be the final summit of the season. Clouds rolled in as they climbed, but they kept going, scrambling up a rocky spine and through the mist until they reached the top.

Niki had carried a ring and a handwritten card with a very important question all the way up. The nerves got to her and she never pulled them out. Finally on the way down, at the edge of a quiet alpine meadow, she stopped and asked Michelle to marry her.

What she didn’t know was that Michelle also had a ring in her pack. Michelle had a feeling something was coming and brought her own handwritten card asking Niki the same question. While Niki had been working up to asking, Michelle’s own proposal had been tucked away, waiting for its moment.

Niki went for it. Michelle came prepared. Both got to say yes.

It started with a shared love of dogs. Now they’re getting married, with a lifetime of adventures ahead and an ongoing discussion about how much planning any of them really need.