We started talking in October 2022 after we matched with each other while browsing through the questionable choices offered up on the dating app, Tinder. Trent was, undoubtedly, attracted to the picture of Jen wearing a unicorn onesie she bought on a whim at Target. Jen swiped right after laughing uncontrollably at a majestic picture of Trent, strategically taken with a lightning strike in the background. (If you haven't seen it, you should ask him about it.)

We had the longest first date ever on December 6th, 2022. We met for a late lunch at 2pm and talked about anything and everything until Trent had to drive back home around 11pm. His drive out to Sioux Falls the following day was a long one, but he says it was all worth it. Our second date was a couple weeks later when Trent drove out to Rapid the week before Christmas. What was supposed to be one day turned into several when a heavy winter storm closed the roads back to the ranch until Christmas Day!

Most of 2023 was spent with Jen splitting her time between Rapid City and Long Valley, AKA her "vacation home". Trent has spent many patient hours teaching Jen about the ins and outs of ranching, haying, and cattle. Jen has even attempted to operate the windrower a few times but her row patterns were too modern and abstract for the typical hayfield. She is much more comfortable using her skill set to help vaccinate cattle.

Trent proposed to Jen on December 2nd, 2023 while visiting her family in Fort Worth, Texas. Jen didn't see it coming that morning and was still in her pajamas. He says he wanted to make sure he proposed within a year of our first date, and he did! Both of our families were very excited when they heard the news!

We can't wait to start our new life together and add a few more VanderMays to the family tree! We are so excited to have you all be a part of our special day!

Registry

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support of our new life together! We're lucky to call you our friends and family!