Our Story

A few trails, a few castles

Most of our favorite days have started with a trailhead. Here are some of them, from our first trip to Scotland to the question in the snow.

Kathleen and Nathan bundled up in winter coats among colorful holiday lights
Festival of Lights, Cincinnati
Winter 2021

Awkward first dates

Every story starts somewhere, and one of our first dates included a cold night wandering the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo. We walked through twinkling lights, and we've been walking together ever since.

Kathleen and Nathan smiling at the rail of a catamaran on the ocean off Maui
Alii Nui sail, Maui, HI
August 2022

Our first trip away together

For our first trip away together, we took Kathleen's dream vacation: Hawaii, the place she had always wanted to go. It was the first of many adventures together.

Nathan kissing Kathleen's cheek on a trail above a Highland glen
Glencoe, Scotland
June 2023

Scotland, the first time

Seven days on the trails around Glencoe, a lot of midgies, and the beginning of a long love affair with the Highlands. We said we'd come back. This time we're bringing everyone!

Kathleen and Nathan with green mountains behind them
Kauai, HI
May 2024

Hawaiian waterfalls and a sunset sail

Rainforest hikes, waterfalls, and an evening out on the water off Kauai.

Kathleen and Nathan in front of a lit-up fairytale castle at night
Walt Disney World, Florida
March 2025

Castle practice, part one

Our first castle together had fireworks. Springkell has fewer of those, but much better gardens.

Kathleen and Nathan with Neuschwanstein castle and forested hills behind them
Neuschwanstein, Germany
September 2025

Castle practice, part two

A trip through Germany and Switzerland: Neuschwanstein in the fog, Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva, and a summit with a Swiss flag on top.

Kathleen and Nathan kissing in the snow
The question · Mt. Index, WA
April 2026

Snow, a hike, a ring

Partway up a snowy trail, Nathan asked. Kathleen said yes after confirming he hadn't fallen in the snow.

Kathleen and Nathan by blue hydrangeas above green cliffs
Flores Island, Azores
July 2026

Our first trip as fiancés

Crater lakes, cliffs, and hydrangeas: this is where we realized we wanted to make our wedding another adventure.

Kathleen and Nathan on a trail boardwalk with mountains and clouds behind them
Glacier NP and Banff Hiking
September 2026

Still hiking

Some things won't change after the wedding. Expect us to suggest a walk at Springkell.