Taylor and Owen met in 2017 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, where they were enrolled in the same biology course. Taylor made the first move, inviting Owen out to the Alehouse for dinner and drinks, and they started dating that fall. Not long after, they moved into a small house in Fruita with their best friend, Bonnie, an exuberant 1-year-old Labrador retriever. Some of their favorite memories included going to football games, wine tasting, hiking the lunch loops with Bonnie, and eating pizza at Hot Tomato.

During this time, Taylor encouraged Owen to shift his career trajectory and apply to medical school. In the years that followed, they moved back to the Denver area before eventually making the trek across the country to Durham, North Carolina, where Owen continued working towards his medical education. There, they enjoyed many adventures to Carolina Beach, adopted their dog Ruby, and began building the little family they have today.

Eventually, Taylor and Owen moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, so Owen could begin medical school. Throughout the transition, Taylor remained a constant source of support, helping them settle into a new home and a new chapter of life. She also worked to establish a career of her own in downtown Erie, all while supporting Owen through the challenges of medical school. Taylor quietly took on the countless responsibilities that kept their lives moving forward and prevented total chaos while managing their daily lives, including the task of convincing Bonnie and Ruby that a snowy Erie winter was not, in fact, a good reason to skip going outside. Some of their favorite memories in Erie include taking the dogs to the peninsula at Presque Isle, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with friends they made along the way.

Today, as Owen begins his fourth and final year of medical school, their time in Erie is coming to an end. Owen is diligently preparing to apply to anesthesiology residency programs throughout the country, while Taylor continues to balance the many moving pieces of their lives, including planning a wedding and preparing for whatever adventure comes next. And of course, Bonnie. She’s been by their side since the very beginning, through every chapter, every move, and every milestone. Now, after nine wonderful years, the black fur that once covered her face is slowly giving way to shades of gray and white, a gentle reminder of all the memories they’ve shared and the life they’ve built together. As we begin this next chapter together, we’re excited to celebrate with the people we love most, to see where life takes us next, and to finally “Toasting Townsend.”