Like true millenials, we met on an online dating app. We “matched” on March 12th (Jeff’s Birthday) and ended up talking on the phone for 3 hours that night. Jeff asked to take me out the next evening and before a week had passed, we had been on 3 dates.

Our first date (once it actually started… ask Jeff about this story!) was surprisingly very comfortable and enjoyable. Sure, there were nerves on both sides (probably more on Jeff’s), but our interactions felt comfortable and familiar…like we’d known each other forever. We went to the stockyards, had some food and a couple of drinks, and walked around hand in hand & people watched. It was such a sweet night.

Date #2 happened the very next day, probably just over 12 hours later! We met up for brunch after church and spent several hours together just talking and getting to know each other. Jeff (with the help of some liquid courage, I’m sure) told me that day to mark his words… “this time next year, you’ll be my wife!” He said it with such certainty that it’s a wonder why I didn’t run for the hills. But somehow, it just seemed charming and honest, so I was interested in continuing to see where things led.

Dates followed and Jeff’s authenticity, honesty and pursuit continued to draw me in. I was leaving for a girls’ trip to Puerto Rico soon and the thought of him possibly going on dates with other girls (we weren’t “official” yet… and I know how dating apps go) didn’t sit well with me, so on our last date before my trip I told him that I wanted to be exclusive. He sent me off on my trip with one of his hoodies (a true sign of us “going steady” 😉) and we talked every day while I was gone. Upon my return, we went on a date and he called me his girlfriend, to which I responded “I don’t remember you asking me to be your girlfriend…😏”. Apparently exclusively dating and being bf/gf are the same thing… who knew! But he very charmingly “properly” asked me anyway. In October, we took a trip to Ohio to spend some time with Tom (a groomsman & Jeff’s best friend) and Jeff asked me to marry him as we overlooked the valley of southern Ohio. Although this spot was Jeff’s plan F (the weather was not our friend that trip), it was simple, authentic and beautiful. It was truly a heart felt moment and it was the easiest YES! We can’t wait to celebrate our love with all of our family & friends! -Jess & Jeff