We were first introduced by Jake’s best man, and our mutual friend Zach Nelson the summer before Jake was beginning his senior year of high school, and Claire entering her junior year. We both had zero interest in being in a relationship but went along with it. We quickly bonded over our similar sense of humor so it didn’t take long for us to develop an incredible friendship. Jake finally asked me out six whole months later. To be fair, he wanted to wait for a super original and unique moment.. that’s right, prom night. Unbeknownst to either one of us at the time we had found a love that would last forever. We’ve grownup together, experienced life’s triumphs and tribulations together; seen one another at our best times and at our worst; we’re still best friends, and after 11 years still choose each other every day.

We had already spent all morning and afternoon hiking and exploring Yellowstone and thought we could try to squeeze in one more adventure for the day. We decided to hike Bunsen Peak but knew we would have to move quick before it got dark. The top was absolutely gorgeous. One of those panoramic views that are impossible to encompass in a photo. You could see all of Yellowstone from there. Now since we were racing the sunset it was important that we kept a quick pace the whole way up. We were all pretty winded but poor Jake was struggling a little more than the rest of us and drenched in sweat. Little did I know he had other things on his mind. Standing at the top I remember feeling overwhelmingly grateful. I was in one of the most beautiful places with people I love and I felt so lucky to be there in that moment. I walked around to check out every perspective and every time I got close to Jake he darted in a new direction! We didn’t have much time, as the sun was beginning to lower and we had a long way down to go. There was a log perfectly perched on the ground for us to sit and get one more perfect view. We sat in silence until Jake fumbled around in his camelback bag and dug out a small black box. I hardly remember what he said but I do remember feeling like I knew everything he wanted to say through his stumbling words. It was so windy I thought I’d drop the ring. We were wind blown, covered in dirt and looking rough but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.