wait…wrong story : )

Let’s try this again…our story, rather, begins in a mysterious land full of winding lanes, prehistoric plants, and bugs the size of small cars.  This land, locally known as Mobile, Alabama, sets that stage for the greatest love story of ALL TIME–or so we think, because it’s about us…

Alex D., “Girl Alex,” attended school at Spring Hill College and happened to be next-door neighbors with Alex A.’s, “Boy Alex,” sister, Ariana.  As Alex A. roamed the halls, he noticed a young lady moving out for the summer; so naturally, he offered his help (since he was clearly a descendant from Greek gods and is bound by Olympian code to offer his assistance to damsels in distress). Politely, Girl Alex refused as she was rather embarrassed by the amount of stuff crammed into a little room. This dashing young man, however, was very persistent; eventually he took a box from her, and unbeknownst to either of them started the journey of a lifetime.

Boy Alex and Girl Alex would end up chatting to one another for hours that first day, delaying Girl Alex from attending her end-of-school parties on time; when her friends asked what kept her, Alex A. responded in a joking manner, “Oh, just hanging out with my future husband!”

Months without contact would follow this fateful day that the two met.  They were separated not only by states but also by countries and an ocean, without the thought that they would really ever chat again, let alone see one another ever again.  That all changed when a picture, dubbed “Divine Intervention,” of a blue-haired pirate-hippie donning swimming trunks and a snowboard emerged.  This ridiculousness, that you are privy to on either side of this text, reignited never-ending phone conversations that would carry Alex 1 and Alex 2 through 6 months until their next meeting in Portland, OR in 2011.

While the Alexes thought their Portland reunion would be a time for some relaxing Christmas festivities, it quickly became clear that these two were meant for great (or crazy) adventures!  Alex D picked Alex A up from the airport, marking only the 2^nd time seeing each other ever! They promptly drove through the freezing rain to Multnomah Falls for a 16-mile hike in ice, snow, and rain. All-in-all the falling icicles, sleet, and pumping blood turned out to be a tremendous recipe for a fabulous day and a reunion of epic proportions.  After exploring the Oregon-wonderland, the Alexes were again separated by 1,300 miles with Alex A. returning to Denver and Alex D. to Mobile.

The next chapter of our story finds our characters FINALLY living in the same city after days and days on the phone/video chat (literally, 12 hours on the phone sometimes). Denver became an outpost for the Alexes to go hiking, snowboarding, camping, and exploring with their awesome group of friends!

When the time came for a trip to Italy and France (thanks to Alex A’s killer skills at work!), a couple of friends jumped on the chance to enjoy the world together; little did Alex D. know that a plan had been brewing Alex A’s mind.  Boy Alex and Girl Alex departed for France and Italy on a February morning in 2014; it was cold, dreary, and Alex A was so sick he looked like an ad for Dayquil. Somehow the two made it to their destination in France without causing the end of humanity due to deadly plague.

The second day of their trip found them headed to the Calanques de Casis where they hiked the rocky landscape, which abutted the crisp Mediterranean sea! It happened at a rocky outcropping during a brief rest, that Alex A announced that he had a surprise for Alex D (this happened quite often in the past with cookies, chocolate, and random other gifts). This surprise turned out to be Alexander on one knee with the brilliant sea behind him and an equally brilliant ring held in front of him!

His proposal was sweet and honest and held the promise of life lived in discovery. Obviously Alex D said “Yes!” or else our story would be rather stale. From that point the two traveled around France and Italy, including a surprise pizza party of exquisite quality with close friends!

The future brought many changes to their lives: jobs, homes, and moving across the country to name a few. But a very grand adventure is brewing for our two Alexes and hopefully, you as well. Italy is an ancient land of history, culture, beauty, and personal discovery; it was for these reasons, as well as the love of travel shared by many, that their steps to become Man & Wife will take place in such an awe-inspiring location.