We are Getting Married!

Josh and Jilian met on their first day at Mount Si High School when they walked together with some friends from the freshman campus to the main campus for sports after school. Jilian had recently moved and was new to the district. She remembers how kind Josh was to everyone and how nice it was that he included her in conversations with friends. She thought he was hilarious, very good-looking, and kind of shy (ha!). Josh had a big crush on Jilian too and liked having her around at lunch and for the walks to football practice, but they didn't become close until the summer after their sophomore year.

After quite a few basketball days after class at the YMCA and a late-night ice cream run or two, Josh asked Jilian on their first date. He picked her up in "spy car" for a picnic of takeout teriyaki food at Snoqualmie Point Park. They talked and laughed and listened to Khalid on the radio. The picnic was followed by a trip to Snoqualmie Falls to walk around in the misty rain. They ended the evening sitting on old railroad tracks over the river, enjoying conversation with each other, both knowing that the connection was there and another date would be in order soon.

On a beautiful, random Monday in October, Josh picked Jilian up for a drive down to Mount Rainier. They stopped at their favorite cafe on the way for boba tea and a snack to have on the road. On the way to Highway 18, one of the wheels popped off and rolled down the street! They called Josh's best friend (and best man) Cole and they got the wheel back on and everything tightened up. Josh and Jilian continued on to their destination. Josh had made a playlist of all their favorite songs to listen to. The drive was full of sweet conversation and awe at the fall colors and incredible sights. As they got further into the park, it started to SNOW (one of Jilian's favorite things ever). When they arrived at Paradise, they popped on their coats and boots and went for a short hike in the flurries. In a clearing of snow between some trees, Jilian was taking some photos. Josh asked Jilian to take some photos on his phone, which was in the top pocket of his backpack. Instead of a phone, Jilian found a little blue box in the top pocket. Josh took the little box and got down on one knee to ask Jilian if she would marry him. She, of course, said yes!! Back at the car, Josh had Jilian sit in the front seat while he set out a surprise. He had planned a picnic complete with string lights, polaroid photos of the two of them, homemade bread, sparkling cider, and lots of yummy treats. The two of them ate together and celebrated their new engagement before calling home to share the news with friends and family.