2013 - While Jess was living in Sioux Falls, one random evening she received a group text message from Caleb and some of the others that worked for him. She clearly received the message in error.

Jess responded indicating that she thought this person must have the wrong phone number. (At the time, Jess did not know it was Caleb.). Caleb "slid into her DM's and began texting her. Naturally, Jess inquired how Caleb received her phone number. Caleb indicated that he had her phone number as she was taking scuba diving lessons from his store and all phone numbers were saved into his personal contacts. Caleb originally meant to text her brother, John. (Likely story).

After a bit of texting back and forth, Caleb inquired as to when Jess would be home to Pierre next. Jess had a week off and was planning to come home and enjoy some river time before finalizing her scuba diving certification. Caleb invited Jess out on "The Capital City Queen" (Queen) for a spearfishing charter. The Queen was a boat that Caleb owned and would charter spearfishing men and women from scuba dive shops throughout the Midwest. Jess decided to join as a deckhand, whatever that meant.

As Jess boarded the vessel, Caleb introduced Jess to the group of men and women aboard the Queen. He introduced her as his "maid of honor." Jess politely smiled and said hello, but really was wondering what she had gotten herself into. She later asked Caleb why he referred to her as the maid of honor. Caleb quickly laughed and responded that he was so nervous for her to join that his brain wasn't working.

It's quite a surprise that Jess stuck around. Have you ever been on a boat with a bunch of folks wearing neoprene wetsuits who decide to urinate in their wetsuits? That smell will never leave Jess's memory. (Rule #1 of scuba diving (per Caleb) - do not pee in your wetsuit.)

That week continued to be fun, Caleb and Jess spent as much time on the river as they could. Caleb didn't think Jess could "hang" as long as him in the elements without stopping for food or rest. She proved him wrong, as she often does. :)

Their relationship continued to remain a long distance relationship. Jess in Sioux Falls. Caleb in Pierre. Though they were lucky enough to see one another almost every weekend.

In 2016, Jess took a different job where she could work remotely, most of the time. She spent 3 weeks a month in Pierre.

In 2019, they built a house in Fort Pierre.

2021 brought beautiful Madelynn Grace into their lives and 2023 brought handsome little Miles Jack.

Caleb said he better quit putting the cart in front of the horse and ask Jess to marry him. Jess is just excited they have "built-in" flower girl and ring bearer.

Photos