I’m Getting Married! A Rocky Mountain Proposal
Posted on 20. Jun, 2012 by Steph in Destinations, Inspiration, North America, Stories
Well I have had a crazy week out in the mountains of Colorado! Not only was I a speaker at the best TBEX conference to date , if you follow any of my various social media channels you’ve probably already heard the news: Michael proposed to me!
Mike and I met at TBEX in 2010, right as I was planning to head off on my solo round the world trip. I wasn’t looking for a guy at all, I was actually feeling pretty great about my choice to be single for the foreseeable future. Fate had other plans, and soon we were backpacking together around China, Thailand and Vietnam. Sometimes you just gotta take what life throws at you.
First known photo of us, from TBEX New York
So it was only fitting that he would propose this week: our two year anniversary and the week of TBEX 2012. Thankfully he didn’t choose to pop the question in a room full of bloggers or something else horribly embarrassing. What he did was much sweeter:
We got to Colorado a few days early to spend some time on our own exploring the Rocky Mountains. Mike reserved us a gorgeous hotel room at the Breckenridge Lodge and Spa, perched 10,200 feet in the air (it’s possible that the persistent light-headed-about-to-pass-out feeling added to the romance I guess). We drove our rental car around the mountains, ate ice cream in historic little towns and generally had a really pleasant day.
That evening, before dinner, Mike suggested we drive up to some scenic overlook the hotel staff had recommended. We drove our little rental Kia up a thin gravel and dirt road. Up, up, up until we were treated to the most beautiful view, like something off a postcard or beer can. In the distance were snow topped crags and below was a beautiful golden valley with lakes sparkling in the later afternoon sun.
We parked so I could take some pictures. Mike was shuffling around in an oddly nervous way. A few meters away a woman and her two kids were posing for a family portrait with a rather professional looking photographer. They weren’t particularly dressed up so the professional lighting seemed a bit much, but it was a pretty spot, so whatever.
“Let’s ask the photographer to take a picture for us,” Mike suggested. I didn’t really want to bother them but he was insistent. We posed for a quick picture with my little point and shoot Canon before Mike shoved it in his pocket. Before I really knew what was happening, Mike was down on one knee and the photographer was snapping away at US.
clueless
Yes the family was a decoy. Mike hired a photographer to capture his beautiful, mountaintop proposal. My first reaction was to laugh- I was so happy! Then of course I started to cry. It was such a powerful moment and so very beautiful. I don’t think I even heard what Mike was saying, but I said yes- of course!
After that we took some engagement shots: the sort of thing I would never manage to get organized on my own. I can’t believe Mike managed to put all of this together, without ever having been to Colorado and without tipping me off. It was an incredible gift.
And then of course there was a ring. I wasn’t too concerned about getting one (and pretty adamant about not having a diamond), but the symbolism and the sentiment won out in the end. With some input from me and a brilliant Etsy seller, Mike designed the most beautiful white gold and aquamarine ring. It’s elegant but good lord it is so shiny. It’s distracting me as I type this.
bling bling
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect climax for our travel love story. When I started this journey of traveling and blogging nearly three years ago, I never could have imagined where I would end up. I made a willful choice to veer off the beaten path, and the resultant journey has taken me across oceans and continents, has given me an amazing outlet of expression and has brought me some great friends. Most shockingly of all, for me at least, it’s lead me to my favorite person, my new best friend and my travel partner for life.
111 Responses to “I’m Getting Married! A Rocky Mountain Proposal”
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
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August 2, 2012
[...] Sidenote: Mike and Steph recently got engaged in Colorado! [...]
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August 13, 2012
[...] only around $100 a night at the Lodge and Spa at Breckenridge!More on our stay in Colorado:I’m Getting Married! A Rocky Mountain Proposal Our view from outside our window in our roomBreckenridge Lodge and Spa on the topBreckenridge [...]
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December 14, 2012
[...] Here are also other ways as well so that he cares for you and he will surely go crazy over you could even beginning. Do not forget that move because this will keep you on his mind when he’s around negative point can strike! So how to you before getting a promotion. He might not be able to recognize an abusive relationship knowing full well he wasnt ready) most men this means it might bloom into a higher level head on their own bad habits will rot and he’s coming over to talk right? Then don’t know this but men love surprises. If he really do not repeated like a bad one but it is not only your best to end it there. [...]
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January 28, 2013
[...] New York City. Some of the clips features us in Fiji, Vietnam, China, climbing Cotopaxi in Ecuador, our engagement, and eating [...]
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Adventurous Kate
20. Jun, 2012
And: “Up, up, up until we were treated to the most beautiful view, like something off a postcard or beer can.” <– Made me laugh out loud.
Sally
20. Jun, 2012
Omigosh. You two are too adorable. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you guys.
Steph
20. Jun, 2012
Thanks! Celebratory drinks in DC this summer?
sal
20. Jun, 2012
Beautiful photos, really! That ring….is stunning, very unique. I am also distracted by it and it is just a photo. Congratulations.
Laurel
20. Jun, 2012
What a great story! And those photos are beautiful! So happy to have met you at TBEX after reading your blog for so long!
Stephanie
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations!!!! That is sooo romantic =)
Arianwen
20. Jun, 2012
He’s a keeper! What a thoughtful thing to do getting a professional photographer. I love the last photo of you walking away hand in hand. Oh, and the ring is just gorgeous!
Tiffany
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations!! I’m such a sucker for a love story and this one is beautiful. I hope the two of you enjoy your life together forever and always, with a backpack close by
Kieu
20. Jun, 2012
Too cute guys! Congratulations!!
Candice
20. Jun, 2012
Love love love this. The stuff of fairytales! Congrats you two. *fist bumps Mike*
Talon
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations!
Barbara
20. Jun, 2012
The kissing photo… awww. Made my arm hairs stand up.
Congratulations and best of luck on your new journey.
Ali
20. Jun, 2012
Congrats! So excited for you guys! Joining the travel blogger marriage club
Steph
20. Jun, 2012
You two will always hold a special spot at pioneers in travel blogger romance!
Chrystal McKay
20. Jun, 2012
Congrats! This is the CUTEST engagement story ever! Props to Mike a job beautifully done!
jill
20. Jun, 2012
OOoooooh, so sweet and romantic. Congrats you two!!
Annie of TravelShus
20. Jun, 2012
such a sweet story. I love it! Congrats!!!
Christina S.
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! So sweet and romantic. And don’t worry: I have no idea what my husband said to me when he proposed either
Adina | Gluten Free Travelette
20. Jun, 2012
Congrats! Those photos are beautiful! Well done job by your now fiance!
The Blonde Abroad
20. Jun, 2012
So sweet! Congratulations
Ashley
20. Jun, 2012
What a fantastic story. Congratulations to you both! I LOVE the pictures, kudos to Mike!
Sarah
20. Jun, 2012
I seriously have tears in my eyes. What a beautiful story and a great surprise!
Adam
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations to you both!
Lauren
20. Jun, 2012
Those photos are gorgeous! Your man has good taste in scenery
Congratulations to both of you!
Kelly
20. Jun, 2012
Steph! That is so fantastic! And how wonderful to have it be in such a gorgeous location, oh my goodness. Love the ring.
Masha (2away)
20. Jun, 2012
This is such a beautiful story and the ring is very special as well!! All the best to both of you
Lauren
20. Jun, 2012
*squeals* Ahhh, this made me want to cry with excitement and happiness for you!!!
Nellie
20. Jun, 2012
Aww such a sweet travel blogger love story! Seriously I swear I’ll make it to the next TBEX to see what you guys will get up to – a baby maybe?
alexis
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! That’s awesome that you have photos of your engagement! And the ring is beautiful! I can’t wait to see pictures of the wedding =) Will it be a location wedding?
Elle
20. Jun, 2012
Aww this is so exciting! What a great job with the proposal Mike! Congrats to you both
Cat
20. Jun, 2012
Aww what a cool story! I got engaged in a similar way. It’s great having photos of the moment to look back on. Really love your ring too!
Camels & Chocolate
20. Jun, 2012
This is just so freakin’ adorable and warms every last square centimeter of my heart. I love the way you met, the way your relationship flourished while on the road and the way he proposed. Of course, I too met my husband while abroad (studying in Holland), and the first year we were together culminated in traveling through around 15 countries, so it all sounds surprisingly similar to an extent! =)
Ruby
20. Jun, 2012
wow congrats to both of you..i did not made it to the tbex in colorado..hopefully next time again…good luck and live life to the fullest!
Britany
20. Jun, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting you briefly at Tbex and actually ended up seated right next to Mike on the plane back to NYC! You’re both great and your story is just so sweet! I love this proposal and the ring is AMAZING! Congrats to you both and hopefully our paths will cross again in the future. Costa Brava, perhaps??
Jenny
20. Jun, 2012
Wow. That is so awesome how he planned it all out! Congrats to the two of you and enjoy your travels!
Wish I could have been at TBEX this year, maybe next year. : ]
Robyn
20. Jun, 2012
Beautiful ring! So now the big question is when and where will you two be getting hitched?
Alex
20. Jun, 2012
Steph, it was so lovely to finally meet you in person this weekend. You briefly told me about the proposal but this is better than I ever could have imagined! Congratulations to both of you…. and I hope you blog the wedding
Judy
20. Jun, 2012
Well done Michael! Couldn’t have snatched up a better girl =) and good job on the ring, it’s gorgeous! Congratulations to you both, so happy for you!
CheezyK
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! Love the ring, I’m not one for traditional or diamonds myself, the aquamarine is beautiful. And the photos … how fabulous to be able to capture the moment like that
Kim Mance
20. Jun, 2012
I know I can take no credit, but I still feel sort of like a matchmaker… CONGRATS you guys. (And the photos turned out spectacularly well!).
Justin Morris
20. Jun, 2012
Massive congrats guys, wish you all the best.
Kent @ NVR
20. Jun, 2012
Congrats!
We were just talking about how we wish we would have had more of a chance to really talk to you two (rather than flying past each other multiple times as we did).
Andrea
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! What a great story–how sneaky of him! The ring is really beautiful
Shtina
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations!! That is such a beautiful engagement story and pictures. I love that he hired a photographer; he’s definitely a keeper.
I wish you guys all the best!!
Gillian
20. Jun, 2012
I don’t even know you personally (though sometimes, through the reading of this blog, I feel like I do) and this story brought me to tears! Congratulations to the people who are behind two of the best travel blogs I have found… you seem perfectly matched, the proposal looked perfect, and that ring is AMAZING! Hope to meet you two sometime, somewhere in the world. All the best
Audrey | That Backpacker
20. Jun, 2012
Aww, congratulations you two! The engagement shots are beautiful. Good thinking sneaking in a professional photographer to document the magic.
And I love the ring! 
Alouise
20. Jun, 2012
What a sweet proposal. Congratulations to you and Mike.
Nicole (colehaber.com)
20. Jun, 2012
AHHH amazing!!!! Congrats congrats!!!
Pam McCracken
20. Jun, 2012
what a wonderful story, thank you so much for sharing. I am so happy that you are SO VERY HAPPY, GOD bless you both.
love,
Pam McCracken
Efrutik
20. Jun, 2012
Congratulations to you both. So, so, so, romantic and sweet. I love the ring and the fact that is so original and personal
suki
20. Jun, 2012
yayyy~! congratulations. loved hearing the story in person, but seeing the photos really makes it sooo real. how special!
Caz Makepeace
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations. There’s nothing better than to travel with your husband. Enjoy the years of precious memories ahead
Nyel
21. Jun, 2012
Beautiful photos and engagement ploy. Love the ring! Congrats. =)
Erica
21. Jun, 2012
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeee!
EEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
I’m so happy for you two! Seriously though – you are one of our favorite couples. Congrats again!
Katherine - Kapcha The World
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations to you both. What an amazing love story! So cute. That’s definitely a fantastic one to tell the grandkids! The ring is gorgeous. Well done Mike for the perfect proposal
flipflopcaravan
21. Jun, 2012
I was envisioning the photog hiding in the bushes or something, but a decoy family is brilliant! Kudos to Mike for such amazing planning! And congrats again to you both!
Joseph
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations
Christy
21. Jun, 2012
That’s so sweet! What a perfect proposal. I love that he hired a photographer.
Raymond @ Man On The Lam
21. Jun, 2012
This Mike character sounds like a keeper.
Congratulations to you both!!!
Nomadic Samuel
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! What an exciting time for both of you
Chasing the Donkey
21. Jun, 2012
CONGRATS from us here at Chasing the Donkey HQ – what fabulous proposal photos. Such a grand moment captured by so few! Enjoy the wedding planning…. I can suggest Vegas…
Dina
21. Jun, 2012
I’ve seen so many engagement photos, I think this is the most beautiful one!
Congrats!!
(I and Ryan never got engaged, we just got married)
Christine
21. Jun, 2012
How awesome! Congratulations
EurotripTips
21. Jun, 2012
Awww I’m all teary now! Congratulations to you both , lots of love and all that jazz
It reminds me a bit of my engagement – I was so taken by surprise that I started crying and laughing and smiling at the same time and I have NO recollection of what Alex said. All I know is that it was the second most beautiful moment of my life – the first one being when I said “I do” last summer.
I wish you all the best xx
Jaime
21. Jun, 2012
Awww I can’t help but gush all over this. I keep saying AWWW & AWWW & I can’t stop smiling… this is too cute. It’s like I saw this all happen before my eyes. I know I haven’t met either of you & hope that changes soon, but I remember when yall met & be excited about it all through the internet. Congrats on the engagement & well I hope the wedding is at TBEX13 cus I should be there…lol jk!!!
Oh & nice ring!
Will Peach
21. Jun, 2012
Congrats to you guys. I know I’m a bit late to the party!
Angie Away
21. Jun, 2012
What a beautiful story! (And I LOVE that ring!) Cheers to the beginning of your life full of adventures =)
Pauline
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! Your travel love story is really beautiful! All the best as you start this new chapter!
Mike Hinshaw
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations. Great story. I also proposed to my wife (of 34 years this September) in Colorado. Must be the air!!!
Sonia
21. Jun, 2012
Love it! Since my drunk ass was clearly there from the start, does that mean I get to officiate the wedding? Better start looking around for some online ministries ASAP. Congrats again, kids!
Abbey Hesser
21. Jun, 2012
Yay Steph!!!!! I’m so excited for you. Can’t believe it’s already been 2 years since you guys got together! Looks like it was the perfect setting and the perfect proposal. Best wishes for you guys going forward!
Lorenzo
21. Jun, 2012
Beautiful story! Congrats!
mercedes
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations!!!! You, Mike, and the rockies all look so gorgeous!
Waegook Tom
21. Jun, 2012
YAAAAAAAAY! Congratulations Steph – this is amazing news, and who knew Mike was such a romantic at heart?! (well, probably you, but I sure didn’t haha). What an awesome proposal story, it’s one that you’ll be able to tell forever! Ahh so happy for you both. Sending lots of love and well-wishes!
x
Emily in Chile
21. Jun, 2012
Congrats to you both! Sounds like Mike went all-out for the proposal, and I hope you have many years of happy traveling ahead.
Julie
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! What a beautiful story. Major props to Mike for thinking of the photographer. I’m always excited to hear when traveling helps a relationship grow. Where on earth will you go one your honeymoon?
jade
21. Jun, 2012
I’m in love with you guys…Congrats! WooHoo!! seriously wish we lived closer and saw each other more.
Runaway Brit
21. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! What an amazing, and unique, proposal story – you two look so, so happy. The ring is totally stunning.
janet
21. Jun, 2012
oooh pretty ring. love the colors. and nice way to propose.. out on the mountains.
Lysiane
22. Jun, 2012
Wow, Congratulations !
jenjenk
22. Jun, 2012
I don’t know what makes me like you guys more: the fact that he hired a fake family for you or the fact that you got an aquamarine for an engagement ring [that's my birthstone - i'm totally partial to it!].
Jen
22. Jun, 2012
Congratulations!!!! Your story is so sweet; the pictures are stunning; and your ring is truly elegant and special. This post made me smile, inside and out. Thanks for sharing such an intimate moment with us!
Katie Hammel
22. Jun, 2012
Congrats again! What a sweet proposal, and wow – those photos are amazing!
Kimberly Sanberg
23. Jun, 2012
Congratulations! How exciting. That will be a TBEX to remember, eh?
Steph - DiscoveringIce.com
23. Jun, 2012
Aww Congratulations!! So cute! Amazing ring, I am drooling!
Best wishes for you two for your future together!
Micki
24. Jun, 2012
Contrats, guys! What a great story!
Leah
25. Jun, 2012
I know I’m late here, but CONGRATULATIONS!! So excited for you two. Looks like the next year will bring big things for all of us! Oh, and hi: we both have scheming partners.
Allaire Timbers Inn
27. Jun, 2012
Congratulations on your engagement. Breckenridge is such a beautiful place with sweeping vistas in every direction. You described the town wonderfully and a terrific arrangement by your fiance’. Return to our mountain town often to celebrate your marriage and life together. Best wishes to you.
Susan @ Travel Junkette
28. Jun, 2012
CONGRATS! I know exactly where these photos were taken — I lived for three seasons in Breckenridge. For one of them, I lived just a 10 minute hike from there. What a beautiful place for an engagement. Lifetime of happiness to both of you!!
Zoe
28. Jun, 2012
Congratulations!! What a beautiful, romantic proposal. Just perfect for you two. All the best.
Marsha
02. Jul, 2012
I’ve been on the road and out of the loop so I’m just seeing this. Congrats, Steph! What a beautiful story…so glad you shared such an important moment with us.
@MsBoice
04. Jul, 2012
Hi! You don’t know me, but I’ve been following a lot of everyone’s recaps on TBEX and found yours and this wonderful story. My husband and I also met through travel but in a bit of a different way. Good luck with the wedding plans. We had a travel-themed wedding because we traveled so much to see each other (long distance courtship over two years). You can see what we did on my pinterest board at http://pinterest.com/MsBoice/east-of-the-sun-and-west-of-the-moon/
Congratulations!
Elena
05. Jul, 2012
oh wow!! Huge congrats! A beautiful start to a NEW journey ; )
love & light
el
Akila
08. Jul, 2012
Yay, yay, yay! I was wondering how you guys got those awesome professional shots at the top of the mountain. Loved that he pulled it off like this. Mike, please do tell us what you actually said! Congrats guys!
Dani
10. Jul, 2012
Congratulations to you and Mike! I have been following your love story from the very beginning and I am so happy for you that you found THE ONE… through blogging!! So, when’s the wedding?
Unisse
12. Jul, 2012
Wow!! Congratulations and that was so sweet!
going through all that planning and hiring a photographer to follow you! Love the photographs.. And of course the beautiful aquamarine ring! 
Irene
25. Jul, 2012
Hi there! I’ve only discovered your blog a few days ago and have been trying to catch up with all your very investing posts from the last couple of years. As a twenty six year old woman, I’ve been dreaming about traveling solo rtw for some time now and your blog has done nothing but brought me more inspiration! I absolutely love your writing and identify with so many issues you’ve brought up. Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful blog and keep on being so awesome!
Debbie
01. Aug, 2012
Congrats! What a romantic proposal and surprise!
Beautiful photos and stunning ring!
H.D. Lynn
12. Sep, 2012
I’ve heard several friends remark a good relationship is with someone who you feel comfortable being boring around. Not for me; the person I’m in love with has the great fortune of also loving travel and adventure. When you travel in pairs, you can split costs! And stay at cute Bed and Breakfasts!
Alex
18. Nov, 2012
Love this post – it’s adorable. Congratulations from a fellow 20something traveler
Ally
19. Nov, 2012
congrats!
Federico
21. Nov, 2012
Congratulations to you both!!
Lynn Chou
29. Nov, 2012
This is probably a little late – but Congratulations! Reading your proposal story gave me goosebumps, although I don’t even know you personally. Really happy for you & thanks for sharing this sweet story!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures
23. Dec, 2012
Super de duper congrats!!!!! What an incredible proposal. The ring and photos are breathtaking!
Cathy Sweeney
01. Feb, 2013
I love your romantic story & photos. Very cool that you met at TBEX . You just never know how or where you’ll find the right person. Usually when you least expect it.
nicole
28. Mar, 2013
Love your ring! (I’m anti-diamond, too. heh). And congratulations. I don’t know if you’re officially hitched yet?
nicole recently posted..What Paris Taught Us: Travel Young or Travel Old
Steph
28. Mar, 2013
Thanks! Wedding is in September.