This is a tale of how a Nederland couple, born in the same county in Tennessee, didn’t meet until their paths crossed in Nederland. Sarah and Brent Bishop have been together for about seven years. They met in November 2016 at the James Peak Brewery & Smokehouse, now Busey Brews.

Sarah was new to town and got a job serving at the newly opened James Peak Brewery & Smokehouse. It was a Wednesday in mid-November. After a day of snowboarding at Eldora, Brent checked out the new restaurant his good friend was managing.

Sarah says she noticed Brent immediately, confessing, “He was hard to miss in his bright green snowboard pants. He sat at the bar, introduced himself, and ordered a porter and wings.” After some small talk, Brent finished his food, and Sarah clocked out.

The two went their separate ways, but the keeper of the stars had other plans for them. A week later, Brent came in as Sarah was getting off work, providing them the perfect opportunity to chat.

They shared life adventures and theories. “Wow, what an interesting person. I like him,” Sarah thought to herself. Another week went by. Brent went back to James Peak Brewery, but Sarah wasn’t there.

Again, another week, and to Brent’s disappointment, Sarah wasn’t there again. Brent inquired about Sarah, reassuring himself she still worked there, understanding that not all who venture to Nederland stay.

Confirming Sarah just had the day off, Brent looked forward to their next encounter. As fate would have it, a few days passed when Brent found himself behind Sarah and a guy in the checkout line at the B&F.

Awkwardly, Sarah introduced Brent to the person she was with, whom he later found out was the ex-boyfriend. The conversation was brief and sufficiently awkward. Once again, the keeper of the stars wedged distance between Sarah and Brent.

Every Wednesday, following the B&F encounter, Brent visited James Peak. It wasn’t until the first Wednesday of January that the two saw each other again. Brent came into James Peak with his snowboard buddies.

After eating, Brent got up, walked to Sarah, and asked for a to-go box. When she handed it to him, he asked if she would like to meet for tacos or coffee. Before he could finish the sentence, she blurted, “I like tacos.”

Six weeks and five days after meeting, they had their first date at Salto, respectfully chatting into the morning light. The rest, as they say, is history in the making. There have been many romantic moments throughout the year, including a dirt bike honeymoon adventure. But, according to Sarah, the most romantic moments are the little actions of consideration and care.

For over half a decade, the duo has loved hiking, snowboarding, yoga, playing music, discussing art, and dirt biking together. The constant practice of self-awareness and compassion are two things the couple practices.

Other practices include acceptance, patience, humility, and resilience. “A growth mindset practice has been helpful as we navigate through our life circumstances. It’s helpful to learn, integrate, and move on when miscommunications occur,” shares the couple.

They also say, “In partnership, we encourage each other to express thoughts and feelings; do our best to take opposing opinions or points of view into account as we experience adversity within and without our relationship.”

Something the Bishops are grateful for is pushing each other to be their authentic selves. Acknowledging they are two very different and strong-willed individuals, they have found accepting authenticity for the other has helped build trust in their relationship and within themselves.