Our Story

Slater was shocked—and so excited—but of course, there was a catch. He was leaving the next day for a nine-day trip to Florida. He promised that if she was still interested when he got back, he’d take her out. They ended up talking while he was away, and by the time he returned, she was even more certain she had made the right choice. Their first date was simple but perfect: mini-golf, pizza, and a movie back at his house. For the first time in Mariah’s life, she had felt completely comfortable being herself. They instantly became best friends, and from that day forward, they were inseparable.

What makes their story even more remarkable is that Mariah and Slater grew up only five minutes apart from each other. They lived in the same town, shopped at the same grocery stores, and probably crossed paths countless times—but they never saw each other. It took a swipe on Tinder and years of persistence for fate to finally bring them together.

Just a few months into their relationship, COVID-19 turned the world upside down. They quickly found themselves living together at Slater’s parents’ house, spending every moment together. It wasn’t always easy—learning all of each other’s quirks and imperfections so quickly—but it brought them closer together. They grew together, both as individuals and as a couple, and learned a lot during those uncertain and unexpected times.

It was during that time that they discovered their shared love for camping and the outdoors. Camping trips became their escape, their time to unplug from the chaos and focus on what truly mattered: each other. From the towering rocks of Alabama Hills to the tall Sequoia trees, they fell deeper in love under starry skies, their adventures becoming the foundation of their bond.

The years that followed were filled with countless road trips and lots of camping trips that have made their love story uniquely theirs. From Oregon to Washington, Utah to Wyoming and Montana, they have explored so many incredible places together. But the most meaningful moment came in December 2023, when Slater proposed in Alabama Hills—the very first place they ever camped together. It was a full-circle moment.

Along the way, they have supported each other’s dreams and built a life filled with love, creativity, and adventure. During COVID, Slater started making leather belts as a hobby, which eventually turned into his passion project, Wild Cane Supply Co. With a little help from Mariah and family, they turned it into a growing business inspired by their love for the outdoors. Meanwhile, Mariah found her calling in coffee, starting as a part-time barista and eventually growing into a full-time management role at Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters. None of it would’ve been possible without Slater’s encouragement, unwavering belief, and constant support in her life.

Mariah and Slater’s story is proof that love doesn’t always happen at first sight, but when it does happen, it’s worth every twist and turn along the way. From two people living just minutes apart, to a swipe on Tinder, to a love built through adventure, their journey has been nothing short of magical.

End of chapter one…

As you can tell our journey hasn’t always been traditional, but it’s been ours—messy, beautiful, and full of love. Now, as we step into this next chapter, we can’t wait to celebrate with all of you, the people who’ve been part of our story from the very beginning.