We met at a bar in Durango, Colorado called the Wild Horse. Every year, Durango has a winter festival called Snowdown. It was during the first night of the festival in January 2014. Oscar asked for my phone number that night and we ended up going out together each night for the remainder of the festival. We knew we had a connection and ended up dating several months later. As they say, the rest is history.

Oscar proposed to me at Ice Lakes in Silverton, Colorado. Oscar got the idea because that was our first hike together after we started dating. He had initially intended to propose at Island Lake, another lake further up the mountain, but unbeknownst to him, the entire trail was covered in ice and snow. However, he was determined to make it to the top. At the time, I didn’t understand why he wanted to continue pushing forward–but of course, I had no idea what he had planned.

We hiked on largely vertical terrain and stumbled hand over fist many times before reaching Ice Lake. Oscar proposed in May, over Memorial Day weekend, so we were wearing shorts and t-shirts. The weather at the top was blustery and frigid. Oscar had the realization that it was too cold to continue up to Island Lake as planned, so he proposed at Ice Lakes. It was a beautiful and heartfelt proposal and I’ll never forget the climb it took to get there.

Oscar is the epitome of the “shirt off your back” type of person. He would do absolutely anything for me and his friends and family. If one of us is in need, he will rush in to save the day. He will sacrifice his own comfort to ensure that we are taken care of time and time again. Oscar is the most hard-working and determined person I have ever met. He doesn’t let anything stand in the way of achieving his goals and works towards them tirelessly-he has a drive and unflagging spirit that are unmatched. I love to see Oscar smile.

Despite all of his serious qualities, he also has an inner child and a smile that can light up a room. He loves to joke around and play; and has a beautiful, light-hearted nature with an easygoing personality that makes me never want to leave his side. I am so excited to spend the rest of my life with Oscar and I can’t imagine my life without him.

Julie is so caring, has a huge heart and always puts others’ needs above her own. She is extremely affectionate and wears her heart on her sleeve. She always looks for the best in others’ and is a fierce advocate.  She is intelligent, honest and with an amazing sense of humor that can instantly put others’ minds at ease.