Jake and Clare met the old fashioned way, through mutual friends. They started dating back in 2015, and Jake officially asked Clare out on her birthday in 2016. They have been through a lot of life together, and are excited to start a new adventure by officially tying the knot!

Every year, Clare and Jake go to the Woodland Park Zoo Lights around Christmas. This was their first official date back in 2015, and it’s become an annual tradition. Last year, as Clare prepared for their annual trip to the zoo lights, she was suspicious, wondering if this could be the evening of the proposal… She nervously spoke to friends, saying that Jake was giving no signs or clues that he was going to propose. So, naturally, on their way out the door, she patted down Jake's pockets in hopes of feeling the ring box. Now, Jake is no fool, so he had thought ahead, keeping the ring out of Clare's reach. He knew, however, that this would not be the last time Clare did a TSA pat down, so ditched the box secretly in the car. They arrived at the zoo and stuck with their tradition of first stopping at the penguins before strolling the loop with hot apple cider in hand, appreciating the beautiful lights. Every time Clare snuggled up or held Jake's arm, she somehow unknowingly (or so she says) hit the pocket that contained the ring. To keep his secret, Jake had to continuously play musical pockets with the now loose engagement ring. Maybe Clare was distracted by the sparkling lights, or maybe she was too focused on the other couple actively getting engaged, but Clare never did find the ring. Meanwhile, Jake was searching for the right spot to ask the question. He was trying to figure out which light display was Clare’s favorite, while also trying to wait for a break in the crowd for the special moment. Clare tried to keep her spirits high, but when they had finished the loop, she began to wonder if this may not be the evening of engagement. Jake asked if she wanted to repeat any light displays. Ever the plant enthusiast, she wanted to return to the giant cactus. Rounding the corner to the enormous succulent, Jake realized this was his chance. As Clare admired the lights, he started to get down on one knee, holding the ring in his open palm. Clare, suddenly realizing Jake was not next to her, spun around, catching Jake mid crouch. Glee filled her eyes. Jake, caught in the act, could only think of simply asking ‘do, do you want this?’ Clare, of course, said yes! They ended the night at Ridgewood and Red Mill, their favorite local beer and burger place, where they called family and friends and recounted the evening’s events. They have been looking forward to March 23, 2024 ever since.