We're Getting Married

We met each other in one of the nerdiest ways possible: marching band. Me, a scared bean-pole freshman, and Drew, a pinecone throwing goddess. Drew had been attempting to involve me in activities, and I fought it for no good reason. Eventually Drew confronted me by yelling at me during a section dinner. I responded, and we eventually went to see the Martian. The rest, as they say, has been incredibly frustrating for Drew.

We met during band camp; neither of us had intended to play tenor saxophone, but two separate random decisions two years apart led to us meeting! I, still loud and maybe a little obnoxious after working with kids at the 4H camp over the summer, was trying to make all the freshmen feel included; even the tall, super quiet redhead who had a habit of disappearing any time he could get away. After at least a month of trying to get to know Jarek, I discussed rationally, calmly, and quietly with him during a section dinner that he should try talking to the section which included me. He finally gave in, and we found we had a lot in common! Jarek asked me out to see The Martian, and we’ve been together ever since.

I decided months beforehand that I needed her in my life, and not just because she’s a better cook. We were going to Europe in May, so I needed to quickly find a ring I wanted and get it. Then the fun of sneaking it through security, where my bags were checked for the first time (out of many) that trip. Once we made it to Versailles, I decided that was the place to make my lifelong commitment. Back in the King’s Garden, I got down to propose. Even though she interrupted me before I was done talking, we were then engaged. It was followed by us rushing back to the entrance of the palace so we could see the crowd infested hallways.

On a family vacation in Europe over the summer of 2019, we spent 2 days in France. On the second day, we had gone to see Versailles. The lines to get into Versailles were very long and it hadn’t opened yet, but the gardens were open, so Jarek, his brother Kelton, his sister-in-law Emily, and I decided to go through the gardens while we waited. Jarek and Kelton quickly separated themselves from Emily and I as they ran us through the garden at breakneck speeds. After arriving close to the King’s Garden, Jarek took me down a little lane to look at some flowering trees. When I turned around, he was down on one knee! I have little recollection of what happened next, but I said yes (perhaps too many times)!