It all began back in freshman year of college when four friends decided to get lunch together in the dining hall. As first-semester students, the group didn’t know each other very well, and Jared and Anna hadn’t met yet. And, as would become the trend in their relationship, this first step was delayed by Anna. About two hours after the group sat down together, Anna suddenly remembered these plans to meet. In a panic, she checks to see if they're still there and books it over to the dining hall. Meanwhile, Jared is stalling until she does come. Once she's there, the four of them stay for hours, and Anna shares many other embarrassing stories about herself (in an attempt to make Jared laugh, perhaps). From there, group hangouts, short walks to class, and a couple of dining hall dates bring them closer together. But not quite close enough for Anna to feel like they’re ready for more. Jared, on the other hand, was ready from the first glance. After a couple of dates and a kiss on the forehead, the two decide it's not the time for a relationship, at least for now.

Two years later, Jared and Anna were still talking, sending long text messages, and spending their evenings together in the library. After a good deal of prayer and helpful conversations with friends, Anna decided she was ready to date Jared. So, one month before a 6-month long physical separation by school abroad trips, on December 1st, 2018, Jared and Anna decided to "officially" date.

Another two years later, after surviving long-distance, quarantine, and everything in-between, Jared knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Anna. Now that Anna was working full time, and Jared was in remote grad school, he took the time to plan a vacation for Anna's first real break from work since June. Since they both loved hiking, they found an isolated cabin in the Catskills. Jared found The Kaaterskill Falls to be the perfect small hike and spot to pop the question. Meanwhile, he was also secretly planning with his brother Tyler to capture the moment. The hike was short and filled with silence as the two were quite nervous. Anna, having a good idea that it was coming soon, became suspicious of her surroundings, thinking that everyone was in on the big secret. They stepped out onto the observation platform and saw the huge waterfall flowing covered in ice and snow. Jared took a few pictures with his camera, before saying he needed to switch lenses. Anna was just trying to stay calm and kept a laser-focus on the waterfall. He pulled the ring out from his camera bag, turned around on one knee, and called to Anna so she'd turn around. He gave a quick talk that Anna was too in awe to understand, but when it came to answering the question, she knew it was a yes! Afterward, Tyler and his wife congratulated them as did onlookers, including a man from Florida who told Anna he traveled all the way up just to see our engagement. We're glad he got his money's worth and are so very excited to share this day with all of you!