It all started 10+ years ago! Alexis and Mitch became friends junior year of high school. They had many classes together, including Campus Ministry, pictured here. Circa 2011-12.
As luck would have it, both Mitch and Alexis chose to attend Cal Poly SLO in the fall of 2012. They hung out a few times, but most of their time together was spent driving between SLO and San Diego. Alexis would drive Mitch and his roommate for the holiday breaks. During one of these drives their sophomore year, they decided to study abroad together, because why not?
Alexis and Mitch backpacked for 20 days in Europe prior to studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. Not many pictures exist as they were truly just friends and didn't want to bother many strangers with camera duty. The pair became best friends during this trip. Pictured here: The Cliffs of Moher, only days after Alexis' 20th birthday. September 2014.
Mitch+Alexis join Vini in Munich for Mitch's truly unforgettable 21st birthday at the one and only Oktoberfest! Just ask Mr. Boylan who was able to meet them for a few beers. By this time in their abroad journey, Alexis and Mitch have become best friends. As the say, traveling together either bonds or breaks!
Unfortunately, the pair had to come back to the United States at the end of 2014. They remained close, but due to friend groups, internships, and Alexis not yet being 21 (what a drag)... they didn't hang out as much as they wanted. But they definitely jumped at any opportunity to reunite!
Fast-forward to November 2015. Mitch + Alexis started hanging out a bunch again, like old times! Because of this, the pair had decided to go to Alexis' sorority semi-formal "as friends". Famous last words!
Here is a picture taken by bridesmaid Nicole, approximately 15 seconds after Alexis + Mitch's first kiss (Alexis uncharacteristically made the first move, for the record).
Post-grad trip to South East Asia. Here Mitch and Alexis watch sunrise over Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. They survived a bus ride together for 30 hours straight, no AC, and very little sleep. It was a good sign for the future!
Mitch visited Alexis for their first anniversary while they were doing long distance. Mitch lived in San Francisco working at EY and Alexis in Denver for grad school. December 2016.
Alexis finished her Masters in Medical Anthropology in Spring 2018, also marking the (almost!) end to two years living in separate cities, and oh so many flights between CA & CO!
Long distance is FINALLY over and the couple take on San Francisco together. Here is a picture of the two at Santa Con, on a roof, with the Golden Gate bridge barely visible in the background. December 2018.
WELL, we all know what happened in 2020. Alexis and Mitch head down to San Diego to quarantine with the Hahns for four months. Spring and Summer 2020.
Mitch and Alexis decide that it is time to leave San Francisco, and move to Denver, CO where they currently live.
Mitch 'kidnapped' Alexis for a belated 26th birthday surprise (something they each do for celebrations). He insisted on being in San Diego. After a hike, brunch, and some time in down town -- he took Alexis for what she thought was a picnic to be followed by a dinner to be dressed up at. While looking for a green patch to sit in at Balboa Park (one of Alexis' favorite places+old work location), the couple happened by Spreckles Theatre. Alexis was fixated on finding a place to sit when Mitch asked her to take off her mask (2020 problems), and the rest is history. The couple's friend Ashley was there to take photos during + after.