After numerous applications and interviews, Jenna moved to Battle Creek in the fall of 2016 to start her first teaching job. It was here that Jenna met a teacher friend, who teamed up with her now husband to introduce her and Tyler (thanks, Matt and Mo!).

The two of us seem like total opposites. Tyler is an avid outdoorsman, content spending his free time drinkin' beers and looking at deer. Jenna prefers staying busy with crafts, baking, and exploring new places. Tyler likes chips and salsa, while Jenna likes cupcakes. He likes the house at 65 degrees, but she is most comfortable at a solid 72. But in time, Tyler also became the calm to Jenna's busy mind and the voice of reason to ease her emotions. Jenna became the avenue for Tyler to communicate more openly. Despite our differences, we found that our souls authentically connected in a way that made us both feel unconditionally loved, safe, and at peace.

In a blink, we moved in together, despite Bitty's reluctance to gain Remi as a new doggy sister. Slowly, we started creating a life together that was built on the foundation of our relationship. Nelly joined our family, adding mounds of energy and chaos to our lives. The five of us made the move south of town, and were quickly forced to face the challenges of renovating a home during a pandemic. We also had to adjust to consistently dirty dogs, a street with an irrational amount of potholes, and several interesting visitors including mice, chipmunks, and even one snake. Through all of this, we developed a love based on strong communication, trust, compromise, and patience.

The day we got engaged, neither of us thought much would change, given that we lived a shared life for so long. Although our lifestyles may not have changed, the feeling of "forever" is indescribable. We are elated to envision a forever together that is filled to the brim with laughter, bliss, fulfillment, and love.