The Water Oasis

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Our Story (Short Timeline Version)

You can read the full (very long) version below the timeline.

Jacob and I should have met half a dozen times before we actually did. I'm from Vancouver and many of my close friends shipped themselves up to Bellingham to attend Western for undergrad. Once at Western, many of those friends lived at The Ark and became roommates with Jacob. Although I didn't attend Western myself, I visited many times. Despite my semi-regular appearances at Jacob's home, we never actually met each other. Not even when I attended (illegally, I later came to find) an exclusive Ark white elephant Christmas party that only had about 25 people in attendance. We even found out later that he had come down for a visit at some point and ended up at my house in Vancouver at a time I wasn't home. Several years later, when Jacob moved to Vancouver, we finally did meet on the most ordinary terms. He came to Katrina's birthday party and we were introduced, though we didn't interact very much that first night. I thought he seemed quiet. He thought I talked a lot. We ran into each other over the next seven months, always glad to see each other but never anything more... At least not that we'd admit at the time. We look back now and laugh at the time he'd had a couple of beers and gave me a big hug at our best friends' wedding. Or the time our conversation got interrupted at a BBQ and I couldn't stop myself from seeking him out again later that afternoon. Nothing came of it until October 2021, when he and Ryan Boe came over on a random week night to play a game of cribbage. We had such a great time we all hung out again the next week, and then the next. After 4-5 weeks of this, Jacob and I made a plan to see Dune in theaters - but not as a date. This became especially clear to me when he invited his friend to join us (shoutout to Reid Carlson). But despite the non-date, we both sat in the theater beginning to wonder if we wished it was a date. A few days later, he texted me and asked if I wanted to get lunch - an actual date this time. Just as the circumstances of our first meeting were ordinary, so too were those of our first date. We got lunch at Killer Burger, both showing up simply because we liked being around each other. We liked it enough to sit in a Killer Burger talking for 3 hours. And we liked it enough to go on another date and another. In fact, I think the love we have for each other has truly grown out of a deep sense of friendship. After becoming involved in each other's lives for real, we decided that we didn't want to stop. Until we did stop. Eight months into our relationship, we broke up. Not because we wanted to, but because things needed to be worked on and redeemed. We were apart for seven months and it was sad, difficult, beautiful work. We didn't think the work would bring us back together. But in God's great kindness, he made it clear to both of us that as part of healing the brokenness in each of us, he would give us the gift of each other again. That journey was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen God do. We got back together in January of 2023. We got engaged in September of 2023. And now we're planning a wedding for May! Our life together is full of loyal friends, endless movies &amp; books, trying new foods, going to bed by 10 every night, and lots of long conversations; though we haven't been back to killer burger together since that first date. We're excited to marry each other because we're best friends and we can't wait to share our lives, walking together toward the people God calls us to be.

Our Story (Long Version)

Our Story

Everyday Life

Proposal Day

Photos

Sophie is my sister and my lifelong bestie; the Ann to my Leslie, if you will. She's got all the strengths I don't, teaches me how to dress stylishly, and she can read my mind, which is an unfair advantage in charades. Last year I got to stand by her at her wedding and soon she'll be doing the same for me. 

Sophie Weeks

My fellow B Boy. I've known Ryan for 8 years now, 6 of those we have lived together (1 away from becoming domestic partners). His intentionality, humor, and encouragement is felt by anyone who meets him. We have been confidants, travel companions, running partners, and TIFF members. From gaming together on the couch to our late night hallway chats, he has always been there and I am incredibly thankful to have him standing by my side.

Ryan Boe

Katrina was one of my first roommates on H Street and she hasn't gotten rid of me since. She helps me pick out furniture, keeps all my secrets, and she's a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor. Fun fact: Jacob and I are getting married at the same venue she and Kyle got married at! 

Katrina Boe

David and I have been friends from the moment we met at WWU. He is quite literally the nicest guy I know, king of the mustache, father of the year, has a laugh that is the audible version of HAHAHA, and is always ready to be the life of the party (just look at his picture). I had the honor of being best man in his wedding and now he gets to do the same for me.

David Whittle

Teneisha is my sister-in-law and often my outfit twin (What can we say? We love a Costco lounge set). She's always the first to jump on board with my over-the-top activity ideas and she throws a heck of a party. 

Teneisha German

My first friend, movie nerd, Pokemon trainer, and fellow sarcasm connoisseur. Not everyone gets to consider their brother their closest friend and I feel blessed to have always had Kyle with me. He is sneakily the funniest person I know and together we make up the heart of the humor in the Lease family. 

Kyle Lease

How do I know Carli? A mutual BFF from Texas... Becoming coworkers... Marrying college besties... So many connections that have tied us together as fast friends. Sometimes we can't tell who's who in a photo and we make an incredible, get s**t done team. 

Carli Stromme

<--- Said college bestie. Christian squatted in the attic of my college house like his brother before him. He is one of the reasons I moved to Vancouver, largely because he is always down to play some board games. Christian is consistent, kind, hilarious, and always makes anyone he is with feel cared for. If you get the chance to meet him, ask him why he can not wear hats.

Christian Stromme

Sydney and I became friends through the Texas gals who came before her (Katrina & Carli) and she's the kind of person that makes you feel like an old friend from day one. Together we love Taylor Swift and Sonic runs and lived the Croatian summer vacation of our dreams. And our weddings are only 8 months apart! 

Sydney Scott

Connor and I shared a bunk bed for three years while at WWU, yes this 6 foot 3 man fit in a bunk bed... kind of. He may not look it, but we both nerd out on Star Wars, pokemon, and Marvel. Between years of pillow-talk, traveling to Europe together, and him attending my sister's immediate-family-only wedding in Hawaii, it's always an adventure with Connor. 

Connor Duboiski

Kymber is my sister-in-law. She has beautiful princess hair, bakes the most delicious treats (especially pumpkin rolls), and once singlehandedly rescued our whole family from being locked out of our car on a snowy mountain. She's full of fun facts and good advice. 

Kymber Webb

The only way one can describe Mikaela is "The Party Starter". I first met her through my brother, Josh, but it didn't take long for us to become the best of friends. Known as the 13th man of the Ark (my college house), she could be found spending most of her time with us. Even though she is in D.C. now, I can count on laughing hysterically on our biweekly FaceTime calls.

Mikaela Chandler

Keely just married my little brother on New Year's Eve! She is sparkly and kind and loves to laugh at herself, which we have in common. It's been so fun to be brides together. She even acted as my bridal stylist when I tried on wedding dresses at home (and crushed it!). 

Keely Joner

Also known as "Zander", Alex is always trying to troll or poke fun at you. Alex and I lived together in Bellingham, but have become closer friends during my past couple years in Vancouver. If you're with Alex it's hard not to laugh at his ridiculous jokes or his portion sizes. He is a dear friend to both Kenzie and I and we are excited to have him stand with us on our day.

Alex Osler

Sarah is a long-time friend, a roommate next door, and has become part of the Joner clan. She's always with me in the throws of planning some event or trip, from taking 16 of our closest friends to Montana to organizing holiday parties to a spontaneous trip to Cabo. Plus, she's always got the good book recommendations. 

Sarah Martinez

Another "Ark" boy, Cory is the official surfer/car guy of the group. Having bonded over the years over our shared love for all things science fiction, Cory has been a consistent friend since we met in Nash Hall at WWU. He is also creating the playlist for our reception so you can thank him in advance for the dance party that is to come.

Cory Cesario

Ani is my baby sister and I remember rocking her to sleep at night like it was yesterday. Now she's growing up and talks to me about friendship (I got you, girl) and fashion (should probably go to Sophie for that). She's got a killer sense of humor and could take any of Jacob's friends in Fortnite. 

Ani Joner

Friend ---> girlfriend ---> ex-girlfriend ---> sister-in-law ---> groomsman. As you can see, Mae and I have had lots of ups and downs over the years. Through it all she has been a consistent friend and now sister-in-law who cares for those around her deeply. And, she is always ready with some cringe worthy sayings and to join in the Lease family roasts.

Mae Thungc-Lease

My brothers & brother-in-law. Their antics colored my childhood and their integrity as men, husbands, and (for some) fathers makes my heart burst. But don't get me wrong, the antics haven't stopped... Feel free to ask them about inflatable llama racing. When you see them walking down the aisle, you'll know I'm close behind. 

Zach, Wyatt, Reagan & Jordan

Fun facts about Josh: He's Jacob's older brother and he was actually the first Lease brother that Kenzie met. Josh has been a source of encouragement and support for both Jacob and Kenzie over the years. He's a brother AND a close friend and they're so excited to have him marry them. 

Jacob & Kenzie

Jacob & Kenzie

Q + A

Are kids invited?

What's the dress code?

Will the dinner accommodate dietary restrictions?

Is the wedding indoor or outdoor?

Where can we stay if coming from out of town?

Can we bring in outside alcohol?