Back in 2021, Liz and John were just two tenants on separate floors in the towering high-rise building at the intersection of 20th and California Street in Denver. Going about their lives working remote jobs, exercising, and finding time to socialize like most young professionals in the city. In the wake of the pandemic, both found themselves living alone and navigating the gentle return to a new "normal" of reduced restrictions with the return to office still on the horizon.
The city streets of Denver were becoming more lively each passing day, with evening commuters bustling in the streets and food delivery drivers still at full capacity. On a few special evenings, John would find himself walking home from the gym down the street just as Liz and Björn the Frenchie would be taking their evening stroll around the intersection of their apartment building.
Their first exchange, predictably led with John greeting "Ooh, I love French Bulldogs! Hey little guy!" and an over-zealous Björn excitedly pulling toward him to show just how not little he was. Liz, often in home office attire of sweatpants and a Boston gym hoodie, would happily oblige the light conversation and savor the human interaction so rarely had as a remote worker.
After a few random passings on the sidewalk below and light conversation around the best gyms in the area and good places to hike, John reached out to Liz on Instagram (shh, don't tell him I showed you 😊) and took the leap for real friendship. What a surprise it was for them both to realize they'd been living just one floor apart in the very same building! John, Liz and Björn became inseparable almost immediately and the rest, as they say, is history.
Following three incredible years in Denver, surrounded by the most special community of friends, Colorado felt like true home. Countless hikes in Denver's beautiful scenery, unforgettable nights with wonderful humans, and even a trip to Europe to explore Roman architecture and Greece's romantic views — it's no wonder that on September 22nd, 2024 (exactly three and a half years together), John proposed to Liz in Kyoto, Japan under the Torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
New Beginnings
Just a few short months after getting engaged, the universe would throw another big change into their lives: John got a new role within his company that would require they live in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Francisco. They moved to the smaller suburban city of San Mateo, right on the edge of the Bay where Björn enjoys year-round 70 degree weather for his daily walks.
Life in San Francisco continues to surprise them — each weekend there is a new foodie spot, Pacific Northwest trail to hike, or deep-city cultural experience to be had. While being away from beloved friends in CO has been hard, they both know this temporary home is a chance to embrace change and grow together through all the West Coast has to offer.
Most importantly, they look forward to celebrating their love surrounded by all the faces they've missed over the past two years away. There is MUCH to catch up on ♡
We can't wait to see you all.
