In early May of 2018, Jim and Kearsten had both recently entered new stages in their lives with new careers. Both were ready to meet someone and find a partner to share life with. As a labor and delivery nurse, Kearsten got a close up look at couples every day and quickly realized, there truly is someone out there for everyone. Each couple she met, she would ask the age old question, "So how'd you guys meet?" and quickly discovered at least 1/3 of these new parents were meeting online. A few weeks on Match.com and a couple of doozie dates later, Jim and Kearsten matched. Their first date was May 19th at Victory Brewery and the rest they say, is history.

The big question was popped 7.29.2020 Jim and his family have gone to a special lake in NH for the last twenty years, and Kearsten has been blessed for join them for three summers now. Kearsten hoped a proposal would happen by the end of the year but was not expecting it on this trip at all - in fact they had had a specific conversation about it NOT happening on this trip. So to say she wasn't expecting it, is an under statement. Nothing had happened the entire week to lead to any suspicion - although apparently everyone knew it was happening! That night, it seemed strange how everyone wanted to go to the dock earlier than usual but that was the only thing "off." Everyone decided to sit on a neighbors private dock, again, not suspicious because everyone had done it the night before. One by one everyone started leaving - a drink refill was needed, a bathroom break, etc. until only J&K remained. The sunset was beautiful. Kearsten recalls feeling at ease and relaxed, comfortable with her wet hair and makeup-less face (!!) She said, "I could do this for the rest of my life, sitting here on our own dock, watching the sunset, drinking wine." Jim said, "The rest of OUR lives you mean, right? 'cause you know I want to spend the rest of my life with you, right?" Kearsten rolled her eyes as these lines were not uncommon and came very close to saying 'Oh yeah, when you gonna do something about it' when Jim stood up and got down on one knee. He pulled out a ring box and simply said, " Kearsten I love you, will you marry me?" After a few, "are you serious?" the answer was of course, "Yes!" Jim's family was waiting for them on the main dock and popped champagne as they walked over. Kearsten called her parents who were thrilled (and gave a resounding "Finally!" as they had known for weeks). The sunset was perfect and while celebrating they noticed a rainbow overhead on an otherwise clear sky. The couple felt like it was a sign and a blessing from their loved ones in Heaven.