We met in college—Grace at Colorado State University (GO RAMS), Chris at Colorado University ('sko buffs...). So yes, we were rivals, figuring out how to date someone whose school chants you were legally obligated to boo.

We first connected online (shoutout to modern romance) but officially met at a Valentino Kahn concert at the Boulder Theater. From that night on, we saw each other every weekend and quickly realized we were in trouble, in the best way.

Three months in, we booked a trip to Costa Rica. Sorry, parents. It was impulsive, slightly irresponsible, and absolutely perfect. Nothing said “this might work” like international travel with someone you barely knew.

We had a medium-distance relationship (about an hour apart) for three years, which meant a lot of highway miles, many tears shed (MOSTLY me), and a carefully curated playlists. There was nothing like driving away from the man you loved listening to "In the Long Run" by The Staves (look it up!)

We got to explore each other’s campuses, communities, and dive bars. We tailgated as rivals each year during the infamous Rocky Mountain Showdown. Eventually, after some trial and error, our friend groups merged and we started to enjoy our shared love for concerts, camping, and "doing dumb stuff" as one big happy family.

Then COVID hit while we were finishing school, and we quarantined in Boulder with our crew (shoutout to Eli, Kyle, John, and that living room couch). This turned into a months-long sleepover with a rotating menu of pizza rolls and spritz, Bachelor in Paradise watch parties, 3 AM DJ sets, and way too much Fortnite.

After surviving a condo with anywhere from 5 to 8 people at any given time, we finally moved into our first apartment together outside of Denver. Not long after, we adopted the love of our lives—a chunky, 3.5-year-old yellow lab named Steve. Also known as Stinker, Binkerton and officially, Steverman Beaverman Tierney the I, First of His Kind, Ruler of Dragons and Protector of the Realm. He has the heart of a lion, the body of a potato, and he made our whole lives complete.

We lived in and around Denver for the next five years. Chris works in traveling sales and Grace as a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Colorado. Life has been full, fun, and filled with A LOT of dog hair.

Then came Saturday, June 21st, 2025. Grace was walking through Central Park with her mom on a perfect summer day when Chris popped out of nowhere on a gorgeous bridge. Seconds later, he was down on one knee. She blacked out from joy, but apparently said yes!

We celebrated all summer long and started planning the most exciting chapter of our journey yet. We can't wait to celebrate with you—see you on May 2nd, 2026 in Andrews, NC for OUR WEDDING.