KEELY + DAINEL | ENGAGEMENT

THE LOVE STORY

“Daniel and I’s story is not the most romanic or memorable. It doesn’t
start out with a fun story or a even a funny one. But our story is
nothing short of perfect.
Daniel and I grew up in the same town, went to the same schools, grew
up doing the same hobbies, and know a lot of the same people. I grew
up exactly 8 min and 33 seconds away from where Daniel grew up. We
shared the same view of the Laplata Mountains and drove the same
roads. But we never crossed paths. Blame it on the age gap or the fact
that Daniel grew up traveling to rodeos, but I will always wish I
could of met him sooner.
I may of never met Daniel but I always knew who he was. Some say I
admired from a far (which is true), but I really did think Daniel John
Scalva was the most handsome man in all of Durango. I remember being
that middle school girl and going to Fiesta Days and watching him
rope. My mom would beg me to say something to him, but no amount of
money could of given me the courage to do that. Up to the day I
finally went on a date with him, that feeling of wanting to puke never
went away.
I’ve always considered myself a girl of mediocre confidence when
talking to men, but when it came to Daniel that 100% went out the
window. On the November 23rd 2019 we FINALLY went on our first date.
We had never spoke in person and only had contact through mutual
friends. I knew little to nothing about him other than what I had
heard from people and seen on his snapchat stories (the only social
media he has.) To say I was nervous, was an understatement.
After many pep talks from my friends and family, 4 outfit changes, and
10 laps around the house, I finally felt prepared to go on this date.
Daniel pulls up looking like something out a western romance, in his
black truck and cowboy hat. I was expecting one of two things, for me
to clam up or do the nervous endless chatter that I seem to do so
well. But to my surprise nether of those things happened. That night
turned into the best date of my life.
Daniel and I have been through our fair share of relationships. Some
that broke us, some that helped us grow, and some we are thankful for.
Im thankful for our journeys because it led us to eachother. God knew
we needed eachother when He brought us together even if we didn’t.
At the time I was living with my parents and Daniel was living in a
motor home. We ended up renting a little ranch house on a cattle
ranch. It was the best year of our lives. We grew together, laughed
together, and celebrated life. From ropings on the weekends, to
evening trail rides on the ranch, to dancing in the kitchen, there was
never a dull moment. We always looked forward to the next stage but
never took for granted the stage of our relationship we were in.
July, 3rd 2020. I woke up that morning with zero motivation to do
anything. Daniel on the other hand sprung out of bed like it was
Christmas day. We were going on a trail ride. My mom decided that
morning to tag along. We went up behind purgatory resort. The day was
like any normal trail ride, I was very relaxed and in my happy place.
We rode up on this beautiful valley with a creek running down the
bottom. Even with the whistle pig and Daniel and my moms chatter all I
heard was silence. But I had no idea what was about to happen.
As I rode down the hill, we came upon a sign. This sign looked like an
old forest service sign so I didn’t think twice about it, until I got
close enough to read it. In big white letters read Keely, Will You
Marry Me? Im not sure if it was a stroke or pure shock but I had to
read it like 4 times. Next thing I see is my sweet boyfriend getting
off his horse and reaching into his saddle bag. I thought this isn’t
happening is it? Still in complete shock and potentially blacking out,
Daniel walked towards me and popped the question. I still to this day
couldn’t tell you if I said yes… Family was coming out of the
bushes, champagne was poured, toasts were given. It was the perfect day.
Since then you may ask? Well here we are in 2021. The wedding is
approaching and yet it feels so far away. With wedding planning in
full swing and life busier then ever, Daniel and I had managed to rock
at this life thing. I’m a NICU nurse at Mercy Regional Medical Center
and Daniel is working at getting his journeymen electricians license.
Last year we managed to make 20 acres, two shops, a barn, and a 3B2B
house our own. We have lots of four legged children including 5 horses
(Fireball, Ticket, Jagger, SkidBoot, and Julio), 3 dogs (Goose, Harley
and Finnegan), and 2 cats (Cash and June). Life is a beautiful chaotic
mess but we couldn’t be happier.
Daniel started out a dream for me and he continues exceed those
expectations every single day. I love his love for God and for me. We
have so much love between us and I couldn’t imagine a better life.” – Bride, Keely.