We met in 2014 in Gainesville, FL at church. We became instant friends and when I (Elizabeth) decided to move back home to Arizona in 2016, Joel asked if I needed a travel buddy. After an epic road trip across the country with my two dogs and his one cat all squished in the cab of a u-haul, he decided to stay here with me in Arizona and our friendship turned into our romantic happily ever after!

Elizabeth - Obviously, March 11, 2017 when Joel proposed to me will always be a favorite date memory! But if I had to choose one besides that, I'd say going to Slide Rock in Sedona for my birthday. It was super crowded that day, but we managed to find a free parking spot on the side of the road. While walking to the entrance of the park, we found an unofficial trail that took us directly to slide rock. It was perfect weather to cool off with nature's slip 'n slide! Hiking in red rock country, playing in cold water, and ending the day at a local brew pub is definitely my idea of a perfect date!
Joel - Well one of my favorite memories together wasn't really an official date, it was a kayaking trip to Cedar Key with some friends from church. We had to kayak out to a small island where we did an orienteering trail, then on the kayak back to the mainland, we found ourselves surrounded by dolphins! Elizabeth even jumped out of her kayak to swim with them.

Hmmmm, it's tough to pick just one favorite thing to do together! We've gone to a few concerts (David Mathew Band, Keith Urban, Chicago/Doobie Brothers...) which have made a lot of fun memories for us since we're both musicians and we really love playing together in a band (we used to be in a 90s cover band in FL, here in AZ we play in a party band). We also enjoy getting outdoors and exploring, be it hiking in the mountains, swimming in the ocean/lakes/streams/springs, or camping out with a good fire. And spending quality time with family is important to both of us, which is why we are so happy to be close to our families here out west. Oh and of course, trying out a new brewery!

We're super excited to be purchasing our first home together! I guess next up after love & marriage is a baby in the baby carriage? We are excited to begin our life together and see what adventures God has in store for us!

Joel was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah area. Elizabeth was actually born there as well and spent the first two years of her life there. We like to imagine that we might have bumped into each other once or twice as children since both our families were active in the Lutheran church. Joel's family currently all live in Utah and Colorado, and mine is here in Arizona. After years living away from family, it's great to be close by again for more than just the holidays!