When Jess found Russell on Match.com, it was the beginning of forever. Though in their first interaction he was completely, "friend zoned", it was only a matter of time before Jess reached out again... for a chiropractic referral. Luckily for Russell, he was removed from the "friend zone" when Jess reached out a third time asking if he would be opposed to meeting up for dinner. "It looks like on paper, we are a pretty good match." What Jess did not know is that Russell had that Match.com profile for over 3 years... without a single meaningful interaction. And now that he had been released from the "friend zone" the pursuit was on! During the first date it was love at first sight, fireworks flew, and they knew that this was... ... ... that is not true. Actually it is about as far from the truth as it gets. After an unexpected handshake, a look of confusion and disgust, an awkward conversation, and a very cerebral discussion... the date ended. She left feeling like it was yet (another) awkward and wasted evening... he knew that it was not a "no" and that he had a shot. Swinging for the fences, (and honestly expecting a no) he invited Jess up to Dollywood to enjoy the Christmas Magic of Dolly Parton in the Smokies. The day, like the first date was nothing "magical" nor perfect. Filled with missed opportunities, awkward moments, bits of Christmas magic, and the disclosure that he had never kissed a girl... the night ended in fireworks. Literally, out in the parking lot they watched the fireworks before heading home. The ride home down the mountain was filled with deep conversations of dreams, plans, aspirations, relationship expectations, fears, insecurities... and an explosion of new feelings within the relationship. A week after love sparked, Russell flew home to Wyoming for the Christmas season. Swinging for the fences, his family asked if they could fly her out to the farm for New Years... and Jess said yes... starting the foundation for our Happily Ever After. <3