It was a picturesque day, unseasonably warm for January 13th 2021, when fate orchestrated a meeting between two souls in the unlikeliest of places—the busy aisles of an Ace Hardware store. But Jeff and Jess’s paths had nearly crossed multiple times that day before their eyes first ever locked. First, they had narrowly missed each other earlier in the day at the local bookstore, Tattered Cover, where Jess, too engrossed in the first chapter of her book, failed to notice the cackling laughter of another patron reading a comedian’s memoir mere steps away. They next nearly met at a local taco joint nearby. They each drank a beer and ate the shop’s special as well as the ‘surprise me’ option. The cashier laughed, announcing “Someone just ordered the exact same thing.” Grateful for the beautiful day, they enjoyed their tasty treats at opposite sides of the restaurant. Did they glance at each other and smile, not yet knowing what fate had in store? Perhaps. But luckily, each of our lovebirds had one final stop before they headed home for the day. An errand took them each to the local Ace Hardware store. Fate had knocked twice already, but this time both would answer. As they entered, a strange but wonderful mashup of a Taylor Swift ballad and a Killers song poured through the store’s sound system, and they couldn’t help themselves. Each hummed, harmonized, and danced to the melody from opposite sides of aisle seven. And then, as if guided by the very Gods of Love themselves, still dancing, their hands converged upon the newest model of the Luxe Bidet - an unlikely beacon of a powerful union. Time stood still as their eyes met and they both smiled. Destiny had reared its head and demanded to be acknowledged. They had searched for each other long enough. It was their time now, and a beautiful love story began. Just kidding! They met on Bumble. But Jess did make Jeff install her Bidet on the third date! And they did fall for each other quickly. It was a match that maybe the Gods of Love did have a hand in after all. For it is truly a beautiful thing when two people can be completely themselves and make each other laugh with abandon. And it is truly a wonderful thing when the foundation of a strong, supportive, and loving relationship feels like it was built with such ease. There were scares of course - A week into their relationship Jess announced “So… I met a new man…” But that man turned out to be the most perfect cat to ever exist, Fuji (another glorious cat, Freyja, would be welcomed into the family a little less than two years later). And then six months into the relationship Jeff decided to almost die and spent 6 days in the hospital. But the foundation had already been built, and Jess stood right by Jeff’s side as he rebuilt his strength. Jeff fell in love with Jess’s energy and smile and with how much joy she brings to all of their adventures. He loves that she keeps a kind nurturing heart while going after everything she wants in this world with an inspiring sense of drive and ambition. He loves that she truly wants to live this life to its fullest and that she pushes him to be the best person he can be. Jess fell in love with Jeff’s sense of humor and silliness. She loves that he brings a level of kindness and calmness to whatever this crazy world throws at them. She loves that he is up for any adventure and is never afraid to try new things. She loves that he has big dreams and a big heart and that he supports her and those around him with love and enthusiastic optimism. This lovely couple balances each other out brilliantly and they continue to build and strengthen their foundation of love with adventures across the world, great food, time with friends, and support of each other’s dreams. And one of their dreams is for all of their loved ones to come join us for an epic celebration for the ages! We’ll see you all soon!