How We Met

Like all great modern love stories, ours began with a Tinder match in August 2020, a true pandemic-era romance. Jeff had just moved to Denver to start his master’s program, and Marty was heading into the final year of his own. After some quality back-and-forth banter, aka Jeff trying to impress Marty with his wit, we finally planned our first date at Confluence Park in Denver.

Marty, always prepared, brought shooters of whiskey. Jeff, showing a moment of responsibility, brought mixers (because balance is key). One thing led to another, and after months of adventures, deep talks, and realizing we both had a thing for good food and bad reality TV, it was clear we were pretty obsessed with each other.

Fast forward to November 2020, and Marty decided it was time to make things official. On a cold, windy day in the Boulder foothills, we set up a cozy picnic in the back of Jeff’s Subaru. Nothing screams Colorado romance more than cuddling in the back of a Subaru. Marty popped the big question - "Will you be my boyfriend?" and, Jeff said yes!

And the rest, as they say, is herstory.

What first attracted you to each other?

Marty's Response: I was immediately attracted to Jeff's looks and his style. I specifically remember his van's with flames on them that he wore on our first date and thinking he was a cool guy.
Jeff's Response: I remember noticing Marty's height, his laugh, and how much I enjoyed the feeling I got from making him smile.  

What is one of your favorite memories with each other?

Marty's Response: In January 2021, Jeff invited me to spend winter break with him at his family home in Safety Harbor, FL. Since it was still COVID times, we made it into a road trip. Along the way, we saw the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, I met one of Jeff’s best friends, Amanda, in Nashville, and we stopped in Gainesville so I could meet Jeff's sister, Kelley. When we got to Safety Harbor, we spent our days soaking up the Florida sunshine, hanging out with Jeff’s mom, and exploring the places that shaped his childhood. It was the perfect mix of warmth, adventure, and relaxation and it is a trip I will never forget!

Jeff's Response: In October of 2020, Marty and I went on a date in the Highlands, the neighborhood where he lived when we first met. It was during the pandemic, right when restaurants were operating at very limited capacity. We walked over to Postino for dinner and drinks, but since we had about an hour to wait, we wandered through the neighborhood. I got to see the Denver that Marty knew and loved—the places that shaped his day-to-day and held pieces of his story.

But the best part by far was stumbling across a swing set that had an incredible view of the city. We took turns pushing each other on the swings, laughing, jumping off like kids, and soaking in the moment. That’s when it hit me—Oh crap… I think I’m falling in love.

What is one of your favorite ways of spending time together?

Marty's Response: Whether it is a new restaurant in town or a city we have never been to, I love exploring new places together! 

Jeff's Response: I love that we both share a passion for adventure. Travel has always been important to me, and getting to explore the world together makes it even more meaningful—if only we could get our cat, Babs, on board with the idea! 

How did you get engaged?

The summer before our engagement, our friends Annie and Michael got engaged the day after our other friends Emily and Billy's wedding while we were all on a trip together. When Annie and Michael set their wedding date for the following summer, Jeff thought that it was fitting to follow the same rhythm and get engaged the day after their wedding, too. With their blessing, the plan was on. The only hiccup? Finding the right-sized gold ring.

What should have been simple turned into a bit of a saga. I ordered the ring two weeks before our trip, confident it would arrive in time. But of course, it got delayed—and wouldn’t be delivered until after we were scheduled to leave. Cue the scramble. My mom, our friends already in Mexico, and I spent hours hunting for a size 8 gold band. As it turns out, they’re weirdly hard to find. In a final attempt, I called the Tiffany store down the street from my office in Denver. To my shock (and huge relief), they had one in Marty’s size. “Thank god,” I thought. 

Fast forward to the day of the proposal. We were spending the afternoon at a beautiful villa in Sayulita, Mexico, having a laid-back pool day. That’s when it hit me: This is it. I’m about to do this. Everyone knew… except Marty. Naturally, I panicked and avoided him for two hours.

Eventually, Marty decided he wanted to boogie board at the beach, and I knew it was go-time. We splashed around in the waves, me acting not-at-all normal. Then, as he stepped out of the water, I got down on one knee. I must have said something right—because he said yes. All of our friends were watching from above and started cheering. It was perfect. Our crew brought down champagne and Hot Cheetos, and we got to celebrate right there on the beach.

Phew… he said yes!

For the next six months, Jeff kept joking that he needed an engagement ring as well. When we got the keys to our new house in November 2024, Marty decided it was the perfect moment to surprise Jeff with a proposal right in the middle of the new empty living room. We popped champagne and then started painting the new house. Happy housewarming gift, Jeff!