It was Friday morning around 9:30am; I was working my normal schedule, beginning of the month so there was a lot to get through and get lined up. On this particular day, we were closing the office at noon for a company picnic that Juffer, Inc. was hosting down at the lake for all of its employees. Stephen, Patrick, and Logan came to town that morning to borrow a small boat from my boss, Gerrit Juffer, so that they could go fishing on a little lake that their actual fishing boat could not fit on. Minding my own business, I didn't really pay much attention to the guys when they walked in. Gerrit walked them back to the garage where the boat was. In coming back to Gerrit’s office, right across from mine, Gerrit got the sense that introductions needed to be made. So Gerrit pipped up and told them all who I was and we all shook hands. Gerrit proceeded to invite them to our company picnic later that afternoon. As the story goes, Stephen was love-struck! Logan and Pat say that they got back into the pick-up and you could probably hear crickets with how quiet Stephen was. Logan just laughed and said “So, I guess we are going to the company picnic this afternoon then?” Later that evening, everyone made it back to the boat club for some food and drinks. Stephen inevitably showed up. Gerrit walked me down to their boat as they pulled in and encouraged us to exchange phone numbers; however, my phone was dead so it left Stephen in charge of the next move. As the sun went down, a boat was headed back out on the water for a night ride. Everyone was leaving and Stephen was desperately trying to find a way to invite me to join them. In a split second, I grabbed my co-workers hand and drug her out there with me. Once we got on the boat, Stephen and I finally talked some. Stephen would say I was the least bit interested in him, I would say I was nervous and trying to play hard to get! The next day, Stephen reached out through text. We haven’t stopped talking since! <3 - Jess

We started our Saturday with family and dear friends, having lunch and enjoying the weather down on Lake Mead with my family and good friends. Jessica and I ventured on our own later that afternoon to catch the sunset at Red Rock Canyon. We made it just in time to rest at the High Point Overlook and enjoy the beautiful colors of the sunset playing off of the mountainsides. We found a rock pile off of the beaten path we decided to check out. Making our way down there led us to having the space to ourselves and I knew that was my opportunity. As Jessica was taking some panoramic pictures of the mountains (I had to encourage her to take several actually so I could get the ring box, which was somehow now completely covered in down feathers from my jacket) I got down on one knee. When she reached the end of the panoramic she was turned enough to see me. In making eye contact, we were both instantly at a loss for words. In her complete surprise, I asked for her hand in marriage. SHE SAID YES!! I stood; we embraced each other, wiped our tears of joy, and soaked up every ounce of the moment. From behind, we could hear someone/something approaching us. We turned to find Steve Stemmler, an amazing Canadian wedding photographer (Tara Lilly Photography). He saw the very first moment of the proposal from afar and captured it all so perfectly. He continued to capture our emotion and the joy of our first few moments of being engaged. Steve’s wife Tara and their good friend Jess joined us shortly after and surprised us with a bottle of champagne. Talk about being in the right place at the right time, how fitting it all was!! Steve and Tara captured our special moment so beautifully and their images will be cherished always. We enjoyed the rest of our evening with my family and some friends on the High Roller on the Las Vegas Strip and seeing The Fountains of Bellagio. We will always hold these memories so dear to our hearts and relive them each year when we visit Las Vegas! -Steve

After our wedding, we will reside in Gretna, Nebraska where Stephen has a home that is awaiting my decorative touch. ;) Stephen will continue working for his family's business, Nox-Crete Products Group, and I will continue working for Juffer, Inc. in the accounting department at the Blair, Nebraska location (Pavel Insurance). Natalie will attend pre-school and child-care this year yet as she is not old enough to start in the public school system. We are so excited to finally live in the same place after two years. God couldn't have been more perfect with His timing in our lives. It never gets old in saying that we are truly blessed in our lives and feel so fortunate to share it all with you guys.