the story

We have known each other for 18 years now. We met in college at CSU (Colorado State University). Both of us were in long term relationships at the time we met. Throughout college we obviously knew of each other and saw each other here and there, but it wasn't until after college when we really connected. We dated very briefly in 2003, and then again in 2005. But the timing was always off, one of us just getting out of a relationship or just starting another one. Finally we ran into each other in 2007 on the 4th of July at the Downtown Tavern before the Rockies game. Mike The Fake Doctor (which is what he earned as his nickname by being one of Staci's past boyfriends), sent shots over to Staci and her friends then joined them for some additional beverages. After FINALLY convincing Staci we should go out again, we went out to dinner that following weekend. Over the next few months we did a lot of things together, and had a really great time. Mike wined and dined Staci taking her to Vegas, family weddings, ball games, and extravagant events, and well apparently it all worked. (Such a charmer that guy!) We enjoyed being around each other so much and had so much fun, we made it official and became exclusive.

We celebrated our 2 year anniversary on July 4, 2009. Then, one week later we were on a sailboat sailing through the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. That is where Mike proposed!! (AAAHHHHhhhh!)

He waited until the very last day of our sailing trip to propose. The last day was the day we were sailing to Trunk Bay. Trunk Bay is on the Island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Every year Trunk Bay is listed as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. This year it was ranked #2! (We would love to see #1 then! WOW!). We anchored the sailboat and snorkeled into the beach holding hands and picking up coral on the bottom of the ocean (even though it was a National Forest and that is not only frowned upon, but also illegal.) But since rules don't always apply to Staci, she was picking up pieces (memories) and asking Mike to hold them in his swim trunks pocket (not knowing there wasn't a ton of room since the ring was in there.) We hung up our snorkeling gear, and held hands walking down the GORGEOUS beach. We got back into the ocean and were swimming around hanging on to each other (we know blah, blah, blah). After a bit of sarcasm from Staci (weird) Mike said, I couldn't think of a better place to ask you this question Totally blonde and unaware of what was about to happen she said, What question? Mike then got down on one knee (yay!) and launched into his speech (This part is omitted due to the Mike privacy act.) and at the end he asked Staci, If she would do him the honor of spending the rest of her life with him? After 1 million REALLY?!?s, , followed by hysterical hugs and kisses. Mike (still not getting an answer) had to ask again, Is that a yes? Staci will you marry me? And the answer was NO! Okay we are all aware that isn't true!! It was YES and it was the best day of our lives!

Mike was worried about bringing the real ring and traveling with it, so he proposed with a ring and bracelet purchased on the islands containing the stone of the islands called Larimar.

Larimar's powers are believed to help us view events from different perspectives, to soften and enlighten, to heal the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual body. It stimulates the heart, throat, eye and crown chakras promoting inner wisdom. It represents peace and clarity, healing and love. Larimar is the color of the islands Caribbean sea and there ultimately means hope and tranquility. It was so perfect!

It was the most romantic place we can think of to ever get engaged. Not only was the location breathtakingly beautiful, but the sailing trip, and the people on the sailing trip, made it the best vacation we have ever had (even without the engagement)!!

The following day after we returned back home and told our families, Mike brought home the real ring (really amazing ring is more like it). We had dinner together and he even proposed again with that ring (which was so much easier since he knew she couldn't resist him, or he already knew the answer and all the pressure was off. The speech was even better the second time around!)

Together we have decided we would like to get married somewhere on the beach. We definitely want something more intimate than the traditional ceremony. With that said we have confirmed that we are getting married in the Riviera Maya, Mexico on May 22nd!!

HOWEVER we ARE going to have a beautiful reception back here in Denver (including video and pictures of the ceremony) with all the other people that have touched and influenced our lives in so many different ways. So if you are not able to join us in Mexico, but you would still enjoy celebrating with us we REALLY hope that you will join us for our reception on June 12th.