How They Met

It all began in the most traditional of ways: college.

Jacob transferred to Northwestern College in the fall of 2021, starting his junior year just as Clare began hers. Through Clare's connections in the band program, she shared many friends with residents of Jacob's dorm wing. However, their own friendship took time to develop. Jacob needed space to adjust to his new environment, while Clare was navigating a particularly challenging period in her college career.

Strengthening Their Bond

Spring 2022 marked the beginning of their deeper connection. Campus-wide events, including 'Humans vs. Zombies' (a week-long game of infection tag), brought them together more frequently. Their friendship blossomed through Walmart adventures with mutual friends, and Jacob found himself increasingly drawn to Clare. He attended every one of her band concerts and recitals, and when Clare invited him for Easter lunch and they began attending church together, their bond strengthened. Jacob eagerly anticipated their weekly encounters, especially Sunday evening campus praise and worship services.

The Summer

The summer of 2022 proved transformative for their relationship. Their constant text exchanges allowed them to share more openly, growing increasingly comfortable with each other. As the days passed, they eagerly planned for their upcoming reunion on campus.

Making it Official

Back at school, their relationship quickly deepened. Jacob returned early as part of the orientation staff for incoming freshmen, spending his free moments watching Gravity Falls with Clare, delivering pie to her in the rain when she was sick, and playing pool together in the dorm lobby. Their first official date took them to the town's "Thanks with Franks" event, where they strolled the streets sampling various sausages from local vendors. Soon after, in the Fireside Room of Ramaker, Jacob asked Clare to be his girlfriend—and she said yes.

Fall Retreat

During fall break, they attended the campus retreat at West Okoboji. Despite Jacob's struggles with the spider-filled, cold cabins (which often led him to spend nights in the event center basement), one particular morning became unforgettable. When Clare joined him early one day, they decided to watch the sunrise from a small dock on the water. There, on September 25, 2022, Clare expressed her love for Jacob—and he reciprocated.

Christmas Break

The holiday season brought a significant milestone when Clare joined Jacob's family in Washington State. Jacob proudly showed Clare his childhood home, family church, the Olympic National Park, Seattle, and the Pacific Ocean. They later celebrated New Year's with Clare's family in Iowa.

Finishing College and After

Their final college semester passed swiftly, with Clare completing her teaching requirements and Jacob immersed in chemistry tutoring and directed studies. They graduated in May 2023—Clare with a B.A. in Secondary Music Education and Jacob with a B.A. in Chemistry and Mathematics. Clare secured her position as Band Director at Spirit Lake Middle School in February, while Jacob later accepted an Associate R&D Chemist role at Diamond Vogel in June. Despite living in different cities—Jacob in Orange City and Clare in Spirit Lake—they remained close, with Jacob frequently visiting on weekends and holidays.

The Proposal

In summer 2024, Jacob began contemplating proposal plans. Their previous visit to a jewelry store (for Clare's birthday earrings) had given them both insight into their preferences for rings. While Clare anticipated a Spring 2025 proposal, Jacob secretly purchased her dream ring in August 2024. After receiving both families' blessings, he chose Friday, September 13, for the special moment. Almost two years after they first declared their love, Jacob proposed at sunset on the shores of West Okoboji.

Our Wedding

Now, we stand ready to begin our greatest adventure: marriage. We're overjoyed to celebrate our love surrounded by family and friends. We look forward to dancing, creating precious memories, and stepping into this new chapter together.

Thank you for being a part of our story.

With love,

Clare and Jacob

Photos