Here’s how we got here
3,551 Days Out - First Date
On a warm August evening in 2012, Toast (a short-lived but much-beloved Dartmouth band) played a concert at the historic 10 Webster Avenue. Recollections may differ, but it is generally believed that Travis, in a-bird-of-paradise-level display on the dance floor, won Steph’s heart on the spot. After the concert, they talked for almost two hours, neither having seen nor met the other before on campus. As fate would have it, they ran into each other again and again over the next couple of days: at Novak Cafe, at the Norwich Farmers Market, on Webster Ave., and even on the Green in the pouring rain. A force was clearly bringing them together, so on the fifth day, Travis sent the following blitz (Dartmouth’s version of e-mail):
On Aug 13, 2012, at 9:45 AM, "Travis M. Kuster"<Travis.M.Kuster.14@dartmouth.edu> wrote:
“Would you like to come to formal with me?”
Steph said “Yes” and so it began.
The formal aboard the MV Mt. Kearsarge II was a smashing success. After a beautiful sunset, the two shared their first kiss right where this picture was taken. A magical moment, broken only by a deckhand politely asking the couple to move inside so the crew could dock.
3,388 Days Out - Jackson Hole
After becoming official over the fall term, the new couple faced their first test with a term apart. Steph made the trek to visit Travis in Jackson Hole in early 2013 and learned that skiing would definitely be a part of this relationship. She intuitively grasped the fundamental concept of “look good, ski good” and dove in with only slight trepidation once Travis assured her that “the trail flattens out just up ahead.”
3,200+ Days Out - More Formals
It quickly became apparent that they both enjoyed dressing up and having a good time. From the DOC House to Dowd’s Country Inn, they never missed a chance to hop on a dance floor and celebrate a night with their friends.
3,258 Days Out - Mt. Lafayette
As spring term ended, Steph joined Travis for a week of hiking in the White Mountains where they kindled their shared love of long adventures. This week became something of a tradition, and each June, as the motorcyclists gather in Laconia for Bike Week and the blackflies swarm the summits, Steph and Travis returned to the Whites to relax and reconnect with nature after a not-always-too-grueling spring term.
3,185 Days Out - The Bahamas
With a year under their belts, Travis joined the Barnharts on a trip to the Bahamas where he scored major points by resolving an engine alarm that threatened to derail the 60-mile crossing from Florida.
He also learned that sharks would be a part of this relationship. Despite coming from 50% mid-western stock and maintaining a healthy respect for apex predators, he dove in after Steph assured him that “sharks really only take exploratory bites.”
3,010 Days Out - Winter Carnival
Back on campus for senior year, and it’s one good time after another. The highlight, of course, being the human dogsled race during Winter Carnival where Steph mushed the team to a dominant victory.
2,890 Days Out - Graduation
The day finally comes; Steph and Travis are flung out into the real world, degrees in hand. What will they do, and where will they go? A tough and daunting road lies ahead.
2,889 Days Out - Newfound Lake
Just kidding. They drive one hour over to the first of many great parties at Newfound Lake, surrounded by friends. Steph realizes the house may be haunted, but comes to embrace the charm of this place so special to Travis and the generations of McLanes before him. She leans on her expertise and pitches in, beginning a bountiful reign as Salad Czar to the delight of many a healthy eater.
2,849 Days Out - Mt. Washington
The real world can wait. Steph and Travis stay in Hanover for another year. Steph, the Presidential Fellow; Travis, the aspiring Master of Science; lofty titles that belie a fun year of mountains, lakes, and adventures together, without the “busy” social and academic calendars of undergraduate life.
2,086 Days Out - Brooklyn, NY
Travis moves first and becomes well acquainted with the drive from New York City to New Hampshire as our two lovebirds face their first full year apart. Steph follows one year later, moving into Brooklyn only a few blocks away. The city is a major adjustment, but both make the best of it, enjoying coffee dates in the morning and taking advantage of the parks and weekends away.
1,650 Days Out - Cornell Law School
Steph follows in her parents’ footsteps, learning first hand the epic challenge that is 1L. Travis becomes a bus guy, perfecting the art of feigning sleep to dissuade potential seatmates. He single-handedly keeps Our Bus in business. The silver lining? More formals and more dancing.
1,308 Days Out - Paris
With the hardest year over and only two to go, Steph and Travis escape to Paris for a short break, delighting in their shared love of walking and exploring all day long. Four days, twelve cafés, and two failed attempts to see the Louvre later, they cover fifty miles and have a new backup plan should the American Experiment fail (Luckily, it did not!).
1,015 Days Out - Connecticut
Steph is back in Brooklyn for a summer. Life is busy but good with plenty of weekends away with friends to cool off from the heat of the city.
875 Days Out - Ithaca 3L
Steph returns to Cornell for 3L. Weekend visits are common, including this one with a run to a waterfall just north of Ithaca. The finish line is near, and Travis and Steph are eagerly looking forward to finally being in the same place when they move in together in NYC.
524 Days Out - Engaged!
Psych! COVID-19 hits and plans unravel. Travis flees from Brooklyn to New Hampshire, and Steph returns home to Florida. Once remote work begins in earnest, they hatch a plan to live together in New Hampshire. For the first time, Steph and Travis actually live together under the same roof, and the experience only deepens their love. On the last Sunday in November, they take a walk to Balch Hill to watch the sunset, and Travis pops the question. It’s now official . . . let the planning begin!
378 Days Out - Tuckerman’s Ravine
Moving back to New Hampshire was a surprise and an amazing opportunity to slow down and think about what comes next. Steph embraces it, taking up biking, skiing, skating, nordic, and even snowmobiling (although that may have been a one-time deal).
1 Day Out - Welcome Party
Florida? New Hampshire? Where will we end up? We don’t know yet, but we will be getting married in Palm Beach! Please join us the night of Friday, May 6th, 2022 for a welcome drink and a slice at Pizza al Fresco.
May 7th, 2022 - The Big Day
This is the day! We’re excited to celebrate our marriage with all of you, our nearest and dearest.