Our Story

Life, with its unexpected twists and turns, led me to Geoff in a little crepe restaurant during my first ever IAFE convention in Las Vegas. That trip in itself was a leap of faith, fueled by months of saving and a gut feeling that it was a stepping stone for my career with the Institute of Fair Management. Little did I know, it was also where I'd meet Geoff, the man who was destined to become so much more than just a part of my career journey.

From the moment I met Geoff, I was interested in him, and had a hope that maybe, just maybe, there could be something more between us. But reality clouded my hope with doubts—I was young, still finding my footing, and Geoff seemed like a world apart, wrapped in a quiet strength that I admired from afar. His reserved nature, a castle of walls I wasn't sure I could ever breach, made the thought of us seem like a daydream.

Yet, as our friendship deepened, so did my affection. There were moments, stretches of time, when I convinced myself that Geoff would never see me as anything more than a friend. My heart held onto its secret, fearing that revealing it might shatter the precious connection we had and that remaining friends was a better option than losing him altogether.

It was a few years into our friendship when my dad asked point blank about my feelings for Geoff. I

confessed to him, admitting that I had feeling for Geoff but also accepting the timing wasn't right. I

imagined a future where circumstances might align, perhaps when I was in my mid-twenties and had achieved my goal of becoming a State Fair Manager. Yet, even with ambitions reached, I doubted whether the stars would ever align for Geoff and me.

Despite these uncertainties, our story took its own course, weaving through the years with a patience and connection that surprised us both. By 2020, something shifted—a realization that what we had was rare and beautiful, a foundation built on unwavering friendship and quiet moments of shared dreams. We decided to embrace the feelings that had been quietly developed between us, stepping into a relationship that felt as natural as breathing.

Now, as we stand on the threshold of our wedding in 2024, I find myself reflecting on our journey with a heart full of love and eyes wide open to the future that awaits us. Geoff, who once seemed an enigma (and still does at times), has become my closest confidant, my partner in every sense, and the man that I love most and more every day. Together, we've built a life rich with adventure, laughter, and the warmth of our four-legged family members. But beyond the grand gestures and the shared milestones, it's the simple, quiet moments that I treasure the most—the understanding glances, the uncrackable support, and the fact that we get to be each other’s family.

In the twilight of years of friendship, I often wondered if Geoff would ever see me as more than just a friend. Those years of timid hope, now seem like a distant memory, a prelude to the deeper love that would eventually unfold. Our love story, from that first serendipitous meeting to the deep, enduring connection we share today, is a testament to the beauty of patience, the strength of friendship, and the existence of true love.

As we prepare to exchange vows and step into this next chapter of our lives, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that brought us here. Our story is a reminder that love, in its own time and in its own way, finds a path—a path that has led us to each other. Here's to us, to Geoff and me, to the past that has shaped us, and to the future we will create together. Our journey has been one of gentle discovery, of learning to see the love that was always there, waiting for the right moment to bloom. I can't wait to see where this adventure takes us, knowing that as long as we're together, it will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Life's unpredictable journey first led me to Courtny in a chance encounter, amidst the lively ambiance of a quaint crepe spot nestled within the bustling corridors of the IAFE convention in Las Vegas. What began as an unexpected meeting blossomed into a deep friendship, eventually culminating in a timeless love story.

From the instant our paths intertwined, a magnetic attraction sparked between us. However, the complexities of our prior commitments and my reserved nature shrouded any budding emotions in doubt. We both navigated other relationships, and the prospect of transitioning beyond friendship felt like a distant hope.

Yet, as time progressed and our connection deepened, so did my feelings for her. Despite moments of uncertainty and hesitation, I grappled with the fear of jeopardizing our cherished bond by revealing my true emotions. However, our relationship flourished, strengthened by patience and understanding—even during prolonged periods of silence where my messages seemed to echo into the void.

In 2020, the world shifted dramatically. Courtny and I found ourselves in new roles, facing the challenges wrought by a pandemic that disrupted our industry. Despite the distance between us—me in Oregon, navigating closures and planning for reopening, and her in Wyoming, striving to maintain operations safely—we collaborated to overcome obstacles, crafting strategies that allowed her to host one of the few Fairs in the country that year, while we in Oregon orchestrated the unprecedented, and once in a lifetime; Cascade Chute Out Rodeo.

Through our collaboration, the realization dawned upon us that our connection was extraordinary—a bond forged through shared aspirations and unspoken dreams. With newfound clarity, we embraced our burgeoning feelings, stepping into a relationship that felt natural and undeniable.

Now, as we stand on the brink of marriage, I reflect on our journey with gratitude and excitement. Courtny, once a mystery in my life, has become my confidante, partner, and soulmate. Together, we've weathered life's storms with laughter, transparency, and unwavering support.

Our love story epitomizes the enduring strength of patience, friendship, and unwavering belief in fate. As we prepare to exchange vows and embark on this new chapter, I am filled with anticipation for the extraordinary future that awaits us.

Our voyage has been one of self-discovery and transformation, a testament to the profound impact of love. With Courtny by my side, I am confident that the journey ahead will be nothing short of remarkable. Here's to us, to our shared history, and to the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.