Clear Cut Couples: Naomi and Brett
Naomi and Brett’s love story started at work! Brett was fresh out of his MBA program starting at Churchill Downs Inc. (home of the KY Derby!), and he was pumped for his first “big boy gig”… until Naomi walked through the doors on his first day, starting in the same program as him.
He said, “I knew then, work would not be my priority, only getting to know this beautiful soul!” Co-workers turned friends, then friends into dating, growing with each other over the years. Their first date was in Downtown Louisville at a place called Garage Bar. They were both so nervous and went through their entire closets getting ready only to wear the most basic outfits. They smiled and laughed a lot and both agreed to see each other again. 5.5 years later and he popped the question in Aspen!
They have shared countless incredible memories together! Highlights include: always exploring new places together (NYC, Upstate, West Coast, Lake Tahoe, and everywhere in between).
Brett proposed on April 1 (yes April fools day, but no jokes!) in Aspen, CO. He had spent the week prior in Vegas for a work conference, and then had just finished up a leadership retreat in Aspen. He flew Naomi out to meet him to spend a few days in the mountains. Arriving the day before, they cozied into the storied Hotel Jerome and had a spa day. The day of, they had a slow morning at the hotel coffee shop before doing some light exploring and rode a gondola with beautiful views. A snow storm actually came in the night before, so it was snowing all day. As the afternoon approached, Brett checked in with the hotel team, local floral team, and the photographer (Ali Valdez) to ensure all was set up and perfect. He told Naomi that they had an early dinner and wanted to walk around the hotel and maybe grab a few photos. As they took the elevator up to the balcony, he began to shake and Naomi could sense something was happening.
As the elevator doors opened, there was a private space with a beautiful arrangement of florals, treats and champagne (along with a vintage trinket box he found for Naomi’s engagement ring). They walked into the open air, and with the skies opening up with sunshine amidst the snow capped Mountain View, Brett told Naomi a few sweet nothings, and asked her to be his wife. She gasped and covered her mouth, beaming at the ring and him, albeit frozen! Then, he put the ring on her hand and they shared a drink while they had photos taken. She was completely surprised!
As for their wedding, they are hoping for a small, intimate gathering of family and a couple of close friends celebrating their love with a dinner party style set up (hopefully abroad!) Congrats you two! We are SO happy for you!
Photos by @alivaldez.photography