Once upon a time in lands far, far away, a young man and a young lady charted out on journeys that would inevitably lead them to each other. Kelli, coming from Northern California for volleyball, and Jens from Southern California for water polo, met in the beautiful hilltop heaven of Pepperdine University where their story began. Before meeting one another, both Kelli and Jens had intentions of focusing on their academics and athletics rather than exploring romantics. Little did they know how quickly that intention would last… It was Jens who set his eyes on Kelli first at a Pepperdine Volleyball game, having an overwhelming sense that he was meant to meet her and what many would call: love at first sight. After several attempts to get her attention in their shared class together (Jens cracking countless jokes to get Kelli to crack), Jens finally found his moment to meet her as he was returning to his dorm after class and Kelli was walking home from a workout with a mutual friend (Kelli looking anything but cute in her eyes, so obviously eye contact was rough for Kelli and Jens mistook standoff-ish for Kelli’s nervousness to see a cute boy). In a moment of absolute young love awkwardness, Jens and Kelli stumbled through a conversation of introductions that would lead to a night full of laughter (no sleep, but worth it), storytelling and a spark that would fan the flames of a 8-year partnership, friendship, and truly profound love for one another. Their shared love for faith, family, humor, all things Disney, sports, Harry Potter, Star Wars, fitness, and nutrition created a quick bond, but the genuine sense of being seen by the other, celebrated and relentlessly encouraged has kept them tied together now and for years to come. In the span of 8 years, they’ve experienced great highs and painful lows, all the while standing firm by each other’s side no matter the hardship or joy, believing that iron sharpens iron. At the core and heart of the relationship was the presence of God and the influence of Jesus, which has created a firm foundation of spirituality, gratitude, and joy that lights the flame of their relationship each and every day. After 7 long awaited years, on December 19th, 2021 Jens got down on a knee on a mountain top in Ventura and the quickest yes was sprung from Kelli! Nearly two years later, the happy couple is ecstatic to tie the knot surrounded by their dearest friends and family in San Diego, California. 8 years down, forever to go, Kelli’s now a Cole dontcha know!