Our story begins the Summer of 2019. Jess was working in Pasadena, California as a nurse and Tanner was finishing his last year in Laramie Wyoming before moving to Pasadena for school. Under normal circumstances, it is unlikely that we would have ever crossed paths, but there was a catch: James Musselman, one of Tanner’s close college friends, was marrying Jess’s cousin, Rachel Peterson, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We each traveled to celebrate the Musselman wedding (who wouldn’t take an opportunity to travel to Jackson Hole?), setting the scene for our acquaintance. As much as we would like to tell you that we were drawn towards each other from across the room and instantly fell in love, it was actually our mothers who met first. They bonded the night before the wedding over the fact that they share first and middle names—Jen(n)ifer Ann. Jess was pulled into the conversation and it soon became evident that they shared more in common: namely, that they both had children about the same age living (or soon to be) in Pasadena. Recognizing the relationship potential as only a mother could, Jenifer Ann Harms made it her goal to set us up before the weekend was finished. With, perhaps, a small amount of persuasion, she was successful. After meeting on July 26th, 2019 we began our friendship at a distance. For the first month or so we got to know each other through lengthy text messages that would tire even Tolstoy. Tanner eventually moved to Pasadena in early September and we were able to finally grow our friendship in person. It wasn’t too much longer until we started dating, and the rest is history! The two-and-a-half years that we have been together have been full of all sorts of craziness, but we rejoice in God’s provision of each other and His grace through it all. We are so thankful to have friends and family like you to support us! Thank you for celebrating our wedding with us, either in person or in spirit.

Jess had no idea what was going on. We had been dating over a year-and-a-half; it was the beginning of Summer 2021. By then we’d had plenty of discussions about marriage and rings and all those other things that should be discussed before one gets engaged. I was taking notes. I knew that Jess wanted a mountain engagement with more wildlife than spectators. She also told me the details of rings she liked, which was helpful, since I don’t know what to do in a jewelry store. I had the information, and I had a secret plan. Jess had no idea what was going on. My secret plan began with Step 1–acquire a ring. I did this just in the nick of time receiving the ring just a few days before the proposal. This leads to Step 2–join my parents in Yosemite. Yosemite is a decent mountain setting, I guess. My parents were in on the plan, so after two days of hiking as a family, my parents feigned exhaustion so that Jess and I could hike by ourselves. I shaved my head that night to be for Step 3 –propose. I chose to propose at North Dome—a beautiful hike on the back side of Yosemite Valley with a stellar view of Half Dome. From our cabin, the drive took about two hours. We enjoyed each other’s company as we drove through the sunrise to the trailhead and began our hike in the crisp mountain air. Barely anyone was on the trail—we hiked four miles before seeing another person. When we made it to North Dome, there were only a few people around. We found a spot by ourselves, and I set up my camera to take 100 consecutive images. I took a deep breath and started the sequence. I fumbled to my knee and presented the ring. She said yes and my heart jumped! The trek back to the cabin was wonderful, as we reflected together on all that God had done for us. All that was left was Step 4–celebrate. By the time we returned to the cabin, Jess’s parents had secretly arrived. Our parents prepared a small party and we all celebrated. It was a wonderful time and, thankfully, a successful plan.

I knew exactly what was going on. Tanner and I had had many conversations about engagement, rings, and marriage, so I knew it was going to be happening soon. We were planning on going to Yosemite with his family, and I was so excited to head into the mountains for a vacation. I initially I did not think he would propose there... until he started acting suspicious. He seemed set on finding a hike for us two that wasn't crowded but still had a beautiful view. He insisted we buy matching Yosemite sweatshirts saying "this is an important trip for us," then quickly backtracked to say "because it's both of our first time to Yosemite." He asked what I was planning on wearing on the hike, when this is usually the last thing on his mind. And he absolutely had to shave his head the night before our 10 mile hike... I knew exactly what was going on. The morning of our hike we made coffee and drove to the trailhead, stopping to see the sunrise and take pictures along the way. We started hiking and when we were almost to the halfway point of the trail Tanner started reminiscing on some of his favorite memories from our relationship, which convinced me he was about to propose. We shared stories of our favorite moments together until we reached the top of North Dome, where we were welcomed with a beautiful view of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. Tanner got his tripod set up to take pictures of us with the view, then stated he wanted to "try out a different setting" on his camera that would take 100 pictures in a row. He then rummaged around his camera bag for a minute, took a deep breath, pushed the camera button, knelt down next to me, and proposed. I was overjoyed and said yes! The ring was beautiful, the scenery was breathtaking, and Tanner was so sweet and considerate. It was the most perfect moment. We spent some more time on the top of North Dome taking in the view and sharing our excitement for the future. Then we hiked back to our car and drove back to the cabin we were staying at with his family. While I wasn't completely surprised that he proposed, he did successfully surprise me by having my parents at the cabin when we returned. I was so happy to have them there to share the news in person! We spent the rest of the evening with his parents and my parents, sharing pictures from the proposal. It was the most special day and we are so grateful to have these memories to look back on.