Jessi and Christian's sister Alexa were friends first, attending high school together, sharing many similar passions, and even finishing a triathlon together. Jessi attended Alexa's engagement party in 2020. (Little did she know that eventually they would become her family too!) It was at this engagement party that Christian noticed Jessi for the first time... the "most beautiful girl in the world" he thought, but friends of his older sister, out of his league.

During the Fall of 2020, Jessi and Alexa assembled a girl squad to watch The Bachelor together every week. Somehow, The Bachelor suddenly became Christian's favorite show too, and he just so happened to find himself sitting next to Jessi each episode. Sparks began to fly between Jessi and Christian, so much so, that one night when Christian chose a different spot on the couch, Jessi famously said, "why are we changing up the sitting positions this week?" From here, Christian knew he had a shot... This Bachelor-squad-turned-Covid-pod (and all their respective men) ended up taking the slopes on a trip to Big Bear in January 2021. On this trip, flirts were flying faster than skis down the slopes and everyone began to notice Christian and Jessi's budding relationship...

A few weeks later, Christian built up the courage to ask Jessi out on a date! Like a true Romeo, Christian not only showed up with her favorite Starbucks order that he had memorized, but he also baked her a homemade carrot cake (Jessi's favorite food). When we say "carrot cake" we mean an ENTIRE cake... Jessi was very happy with the leftovers. They talked and talked for hours and Christian asked her on their next date when they said goodbye. First date, a success! (PS. This photo was taken at the same Starbucks a year later. We were way too nervous to take a photo on the first date.)

For anyone who knows Jessi, this will come as no surprise... In their first few months of dating, Christian quickly learned that dating Jessi really means being "volun-told" to join in for a variety of service projects! It was obvious that Jessi met her match in Christian, who not only happily jumped right in, but also has the biggest heart of his own for making a positive difference in the world.

Speaking of positive difference, Christian spent their first summer dating working in Washington DC, putting their relationship to the long-distance test. After many long phone calls apart, Jessi flew out to Capitol Hill and they had the most magical weekend exploring the city together. Both Christian and Jessi had a sense they had found their person... Jessi even wrote in her journal on the plane ride home, "I'm going to marry him, I just know it!"

And then the best day ever happened! Christian proposed at one of their favorite spots and then celebrated with all their closest friends and family afterwards! November 2023 until forever! Next step, wedding day! We can't wait to celebrate with you on August 11th! (See more photos of the special day under the Photos tab!)