We first met back in 2009, and didn't think anything of it. Both of us were with other people at the time, and over time we would see each other at events and gatherings with our mutual friends and went about our lives not thinking anything of the other one (or so she thought!). One cold fall evening in 2014 we both were camping with friends. There was a big circle of friends sitting all around the campfire when Jenn walked up to the campfire after finishing setting up her tent. There literally was not a spot left in the entire circle, other than next to Dennis. Dennis motioned over to Jenn to come and bring her chair over and sit down in that empty spot, so she did. Jenn went about her evening, chatting with all her friends around the campfire. Dennis eventually ended up striking up a conversation with her, asking about how her cochlear implant works (of all things!). They talked for a while that night while Jenn told him everything he wanted to know about cochlear implants. At the end of the night, she went to bed, thinking nothing of the conversation as in her mind it was just another fun gathering with friends! She woke up to find a short Facebook message from Dennis, which she didn't even reply to, and headed home later that day to continue on with life after camping. Some time later, she needed a sink pipe fixed and she knew Dennis had mentioned he was willing to help fix that and that he had plumbing experience, so she asked if he would be willing to come out and take a look at it. Of course he came out, took a look, and fixed it all up. At that point, she was starting to grow interested in him and wanted to know more of who he was as a person. They continued to see each other around as usual, striking up conversations with ease each time. A few more weeks went by and Dennis texted Jenn, asking her out to lunch to chat and hang out. Jenn eventually agreed and they met up at Chipotle.

Chipotle. Little did both of us know this was an actual date, as I *think* both of us met up with the intention of chatting more and building on our friendship, knowing that we had some great short conversations previously. We both ordered our bowls, sat across from each other at a cute little two person table, and talked for what seemed like forever. Dennis was using a lunch break at work, and before they knew it, he had to get back so they wrapped up their conversation and walked outside. OK, here we are... outside in the middle of a parking lot, all smiles and looking at each other. Jenn was about to say bye and so nice having lunch with you, but Dennis picks Jenn up, literally sweeping her off her feet and wrapping his arms around her. And the rest is history from there 😊

It was a beautiful weekend in Crane Lake, where Dennis and Jenn were vacationing with another couple they had become close friends with, Chad and Melissa. Dennis had been planning the proposal for some time, and none of us knew, until the night before when Dennis pulled Chad aside and told him he was going to propose to Jenn the next day. Chad, of course, gets all excited and throughout the night he cannot stop thinking about it. He pulls Dennis aside during drinks that evening and shows him a map of some potential spots (as he had grown up going to Crane Lake with his family so he knew the area). The next morning everyone wakes up and starts getting ready for the day, knowing that we are going to hike the Vermillion Gorge trail. To get there quickly, you have to boat in and then hike up. Melissa and Jenn get ready and we all enjoy the boat ride over to the trail, and then as we get out, the guys seem to be in kind of a hurry but of course being the girls that we are, we have them slow down and take about a million pictures with us along the way. Dennis was carrying his camo hat rolled up in his hand (which was hiding the ring box!), but Jenn didn't think anything of it, knowing that sometimes he puts on a hat and thought he was bringing it to put on later. When we get a ways up, it's time for another picture, of course! Jenn happily takes pictures of Chad and Melissa overlooking the gorge down below, and then we switch. We walk down and turn around and smile for the camera. Snap, snap, snap. Okay great, pictures are done! Wait, what's taking so long, why are we still standing here? Smile more, okay! Finally Dennis turns to Jenn and pulls her in for a hug and holds her tightly. At that point Jenn is wondering if this could possibly be THE moment... and then Dennis starts sharing with Jenn how he feels, how lucky he is to have her at his side as his best friend, and then he gets down on one knee and asks, "Momma, will you marry me?" 😍