We are tying the knot!

Jay and Haley remember the day they met differently. Neither skip a beat with the impression made. The moment Haley walked into the kids’ kitchen for the first time, Jay was taken aback by Haley's clear confidence as an androgynous, queer human. Haley was instantly in awe of Jay's presence and being. One coffee meet-up as friends, they both realized there was so much unknown, not only about each other, but about themselves. They’d felt confident in their identities and direction in life before this, but the next year was a time of exploring new ways of thinking, living, new pride, and so much more. All, for the first time, with a safe, loving and nonjudgemental, best friend and partner. In 2021, they started dating. It was challenging because they struggled to see how their two families could mesh, when Jay was still not comfortable in her own queerness and Haley was still learning about their gender identity and sense of independence. In 2022, they heartbreakingly took a step away from each other. A tether remained, however, because Jay continued pining over Haley, making a complete fool of herself via LinkedIn. In 2023, Jay took a chance, "I'm doing it. I'm texting my ex." With encouragement from her BFF Kelsea, she reached out on all social media platforms, and finally, a text as a last-ditch attempt. After just a couple texts, they agreed to meet up at Barros that same night. Jay lost her breath, just like in 2020, the moment she saw Haley. Haley was immediately reminded of Jay's thoughtfulness and intentionality as Jay already had a Dr Pepper and cheesy breadsticks waiting. They talked until closing, then moved to Encanto Park, where they talked into the night. In one night, it was just like before. Familiar. Safe. November 20th, 2023, they were girlfriends. Jay’s life was challenging at this time with a major focus on her mental health. Haley was there unconditionally, providing safe spaces and environments for Jay to be at the strongest place she's ever been. By February 2024, Jay knew she was never letting go of the most special human she had ever had the privilege of knowing. She started looking at rings, plotting an elaborate plan involving camping, secrets, additional people, to propose in October. Then, in July of 2024, Haley went away to their yearly LGBTQ+ camp in the middle of the woods, which meant no contact for a full week. The morning after Haley returned, Jay lay there with Haley, so happy she couldn’t breathe. She took off the first piece of jewelry she had ever bought herself at 16, and had worn since, and told Haley their ring was picked and would come, but she couldn't wait. The love was there - she had found what she was always looking for. She'd never been loved in a way so safe and cared for so tenderly. There was no way she was letting another moment go without being engaged to each other. She proposed. Haley in tears, said yes, and put on Jay’s ring. Committed in a way they had never been before. Haley wanted to give Jay the special moment she always deserved. So, what better place to start than the beginning? Aug 17, 2024, Haley took Jay on a “day of many dates”. They started with coffee at the coffee shop where they very first met as friends, followed by the OdySea Aquarium to relive their first date. Finally, Haley took Jay to the place where they had reconnected, Encanto Park. Haley had Jay’s sister Aspen lying in wait to capture the moment. Haley walked Jay around the corner, and Jay saw a pride flag draped over something. She picked up the flag to reveal a hand painted sign saying, “Will you marry me?” Tears in eyes, Jay turned around to find Haley on their knee, ring in hand, professing their love. And just like that, they were engaged again! Haley has always loved the “story” of Jay and Haley and wanted to reflect their beautiful journey in a proposal. A beautiful thing about being queer is that both Haley and Jay got to experience a proposal! It’s great to be gay!