Karen and Jenn have been friends and colleagues for more than 9 years, and started dating a little over 2 years ago. They met in 2013 when Karen and Jenn both attended a meeting for a collaborative project between two non-profits in Santa Fe. This is also when Karen met 8-month-old Theo, who Jenn was wearing in a baby carrier at the meeting. Karen and Jenn stayed friendly acquaintances, attending the same parties and helping friends together in their community. Over the next 7 years, Karen and Jenn developed both a professional admiration and a trusting friendship. Love in the Time of COVID: By the time the COVID pandemic led to global shutdowns and social distancing, many people were deciding who to have in a very small in-person “bubble” of family & close friends. Jenn and Karen decided that the other was “bubble-worthy.” This also happened to be one of the few times during their friendship when Karen and Jenn were both single, and they realized that their admiration and friendship was the ideal foundation for a romantic relationship. Karen and Jenn felt seen, respected, and loved by the other, and in their hearts they knew they were moving from friends to family. Both devoted parents, Karen and Jenn have also expanded their love to embracing one anothers’ children and seeing their family blend beautifully as they share their lives together.

If you know Jenn, you know she takes great delight in planning meticulous details for important moments. Jenn planned the proposal months in advance, setting up a story in which a colleague mutual to Karen and Jenn needed them to volunteer for a photo shoot featuring “diverse couples” for her photography website. Encouraging diverse representation is very important to Karen, so she fell for the story enthusiastically. Leading up to the photo shoot, Karen started to wonder if Jenn had something up her sleeve. However, on the day of the photo shoot, Karen thought Jenn and the photographer, Sabra, were too calm to be hatching a scheme. If you know Karen, you know she was running late for the sunset photo shoot. Ever dedicated to her plan, Jenn kept her nerves under wraps. Jenn and Sabra had previously set up a code word for getting the shot ready for Jenn to drop to one knee. When Karen finally arrived at the chosen photo shoot site at Plaza Blanca in Abiquiu, NM, Sabra said the magic words, “The light is perfect for the shot,” and Jenn dropped to one knee and asked Karen to be her wife. The fun is just beginning - and we’re so excited for you to be witnesses to our next chapter. See you on October 8!

As we became close friends, a commonality we shared was our strong commitment to our kids, and our shared value of putting our children first in our decisions. We jokingly came up with the phrase "Mamas Taking No Sh*t", or MTNS. Jenn even made a logo for it and put it on matching tumblers to mark our friendship and being fierce single mamas, and gifted Karen with her tumbler before we even started dating. Jenn also put "MTNSforever" on the wooden box that held Karen's engagement ring.

We can't wait to get married and celebrate with YOU, our beloved family and friends! We hope the stars align and you are able to celebrate together with us. (And of course, we absolutely understand if you are unable.) Our wedding will be a relaxed and fun celebration! After the ceremony, we'll have food & drink, yard games, and dancing. We think we have some pretty amazing family and friends, so you'll be in good company! About our venue, Rancho Gallina: Rancho Gallina is a unique eco-retreat on a historic ranch just south of Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is a lovely venue that weaves rustic New Mexican charm with environmental sustainability. www.ranchogallina.com