“Boise has a way of bringing the best people together. Karrie and Alex are not Idaho natives but fate would cross their paths one night and start a new love story.

Karrie Moyer grew up in Missoula, Montana. She is very close with her parents and younger brother. From a very young age, Karrie knew she wanted to be a nurse, just like her mom. Her drive and determination (and the chance to be roommates with her cousin) brought her to Boise State University, where she earned her nursing degree.

Alex Poortinga is from Downers Grove, Illinois. He is also close to his family of 5, with two older sisters and a younger brother. He always wanted to move out west, so when it was time to go to college he moved to Idaho to study engineering at Boise State University.

On March 3, 2017, Karrie and Alex were both out with friends in downtown Boise. Alex was wearing his favorite vintage green and yellow sweater while Karrie was hobbling around in her knee brace from a recent skiing injury. Unfazed by the brace, Karrie’s bright, bubbly smile was hard not to notice. Alex’s knowledge of “Neature Walk” You-Tube videos and taste in eclectic clothing caught Karrie’s attention, and she agreed to exchange numbers. Karrie left to South Carolina on a family trip the next day and Alex scored points by reaching out to make sure she arrived safely . . . and to ask if they could go on a date when she got back.

Since that first date they have become a loving and supportive couple; taking road trips, hiking, camping, watching hockey games, car races and especially enjoying time together on carefree weekends reading and snuggling with their fur babies, Eleanor and Matilda.

On a chilly December weekend in 2018, Alex planned a special day for Karrie. He woke up early to make hot chocolate and snacks and told Karrie to dress warmly; they were going on an a winter wonderland adventure! He drove her to Twin Falls, Idaho, where they had gone on their first date to see Shoshone Falls. As they were hiking in they reminisced on their nearly two years together. When they arrived at the vista point, Alex turned Karrie toward him and as he did she burst into tears. Alex was a little caught off guard because he hadn’t said a word yet. Despite the surprising reaction, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him! #perfectlyPoortinga.”