Rebecca and Tristan met after Rebecca moved back to Iowa in 2017. On their first date of hiking at the Devonian Fossil Gorge, their similar pasts and interests gave them plenty to talk about. Both attended high schools in Iowa, colleges in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and engaged in voluntary service after college. Today, they are beyond grateful that their paths finally met in Iowa.
In June of 2019, Rebecca and Tristan were visiting family and friends in Washington and Oregon. After saying goodbye to Tristan's parents, Tristan suggested traveling the scenic 101 route to Oregon. This would retrace the journey they took a year prior. They missed the planned turnoff but adapted and stopped at Del Rey beach near Seaside, Oregon. They walked through a grassy field to a bluff overlooking the ocean. As they stood in awe of the beauty before them, Tristan asked Rebecca, "Will you marry me?" and she said, "Of course! Yes!" When they returned to the rental car, the next song playing on Spotify happened to be "Love" by Lana Del Rey...
Tristan and Rebecca's ceremony will take place in the 122 year-old sanctuary of Rebecca's home church. The dinner reception will follow in the newer addition of the church's attached fellowship hall.