We're Getting Married!

We both grew up in small towns right next to each other and ended up going to the same school. Even though we were a year apart, it was hard not to know of each other in such a small school—especially since we were both in band. Riley had a little crush on Jared from the very beginning. It started back in 6th grade during summer band lessons, when she noticed him right away. Our first official interaction came thanks to Riley’s sister, Shayna, who finally got tired of hearing about Jared all the time and decided to step in by getting his phone number. We started talking a bit after that, but shortly after, Riley’s phone broke while she was at Bible camp—and with it, all of her contacts were lost. And just like that, we lost touch… for a while.

Fast forward to Riley’s junior year of high school and Jared’s senior year—thanks to band and a small school, we found ourselves crossing paths often again. What started it all back up was a joke from a classmate calling us “husband and wife.” It might’ve been said as a joke, but for Riley, it brought those old feelings right back—and this time, she started to wonder if they might be mutual. Not long after, we started talking again on Snapchat, and from there, something real began to grow. What started as a simple reconnection quickly turned into a deeper connection, and we began to truly get to know each other in a whole new way.

As the years went on, Riley and Jared began dating—but they weren’t quite sure what the future would hold. Life was pulling them in different directions, with Jared attending NIACC for Tool & Die and Riley heading to Wartburg to study Biology. For a while, they were living separate lives about an hour apart. Seeing each other every couple of weeks wasn’t easy, but they made it work. As time went on and Jared finished college, uncertainty about the future started to weigh on them. It created moments of tension, and at times, it felt like every second together might be their last. But even during the hardest moments, they chose to stay. Together, they faced so much—loss of grandparents and loved ones on both sides, family challenges, and the ups and downs of growing into adulthood. Through it all, they remained each other’s constant. Even in the hardest seasons, their love never gave up—it only grew stronger.

As life became more challenging, Riley and Jared made the decision to show up for each other in the biggest way—they chose each other. They took a big step and moved into their first apartment together so Riley could have a break from stress at home and be closer during her final semester of school. It wasn’t easy. Riley was working three jobs, and Jared transferred to Waterloo to make it all work. It was a big leap for both of them, but it showed just how much they meant to each other and only strengthened their bond. During this time, Riley graduated and began her career at Zoetis. Not long after, they moved to Nora Springs, where Jared was able to transfer back and began discovering a new path in teaching—something he had never fully considered before. The past two years have helped shape the life they’re building together. They’ve grown in their relationship, strengthened their faith, and found direction for their future—knowing they wouldn’t be where they are today without each other.

After seven and a half years of traveling, chasing dreams, and making memories together, Jared planned a special date for Riley. At the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, in front of a beautiful waterfall—knowing just how much she loves them—he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. And of course… she said yes.