E + J

Four years ago, Jared and I ended up at the same bonfire hosted by mutual friends. I had been single for about a year, and just before that night, I told my best friend (and maid of honor), Casey, that I was finally ready for a serious relationship. A few hours later, I met Jared. I remember spotting this nice guy across the fire, chatting with a group, and thinking, “My makeup looks cute, why isn’t anyone talking to me?” Mind you, I was wearing a beanie, an oversized Batman hoodie, and sweatpants. In hindsight, not the most eye-catching attire. Eventually, Jared made his way over, despite my attire, introduced himself, and started talking about his job. Repeatedly, asking if I wanted to work at St. Rita’s because they had a lot of openings at the time. His version of a pickup line? I could see Casey out of the corner of my eye, watching us laugh and talk. I loved how confident and easygoing he was. I guess my makeup was pretty cute. Months later, he admitted he was so nervous that night he needed a little liquid courage to approach me! As the party wound down, he gave his Snapchat to everyone he met (to not seem obvious he wanted mine) and said goodbye to me (three times). We started texting the next day and set up a date immediately. A few more dates later… and the rest is history!