We met all the way back in 2015 during freshers’ week at Trinity College Dublin, where we discovered we were both studying chemistry (and started working on our own). What started off as a friendship soon became more, as we bonded over Game of Thrones, terrible memes, and the gym. We still get very nostalgic about this time - we both grew a lot, learning the hard way how to love and support each other as we survived exams, surgeries, and Len’s awful haircuts.

After graduating, Rachel got to live out her dream, moving to the idyllic seaside haven of Arklow town, only for Covid-19 to hit. Our relationship survived on long, socially distanced walks, and (when Joanne wasn’t hungry) baked treats. This is when we really discovered our love of hiking, and once restrictions lifted, we spent our weekends exploring anywhere we could, and perfecting the mountain top flex!

Hopping from one iconic destination to another, Rachel set sail for Bradford (UK city of culture 2025) to study for her Master’s. Len landed ashore 3 months later to finally begin his PhD in Manchester, which then became our first shared home. We moved in together in 2022 and spent 4 amazing years in Manchester where we both graduated a second time - leaving as a Master, a Doctor, and two silly geese.

In 2025, Len planned our biggest adventure yet - a four-day hike across the entire island of Madeira - where he found the perfect spot for a sunrise proposal.

Now in 2026, we moved to the Netherlands, celebrated our 10 year anniversary, adopted a puppy, and are somehow planning a wedding at the same time!