Jess and Isaac both moved to Phoenix in 2019 for new jobs - Isaac moved from Arkansas, and Jess from Kansas. Not knowing it at the time they moved into the same apartment building in downtown Phoenix, and in summer of 2021 they met in the elevator and had their first date at Jess' favorite bar right across the street.

Over the next couple of years they grew their relationship through adventuring and traveling. Hiking, skiing and hot air balloon festivals took them to northern AZ, volleyball took them to Mexico, 5Ks & half marathons took them to San Diego, and long weekends took them to Seattle and Boston. In July 2023 they moved into a house in downtown Phoenix and started the next chapter of their lives together.

A few months later when they were hiking, Isaac got the invite to the Pendleton sibling Japan trip. A few weeks later they went ring shopping, and after a pep-talk from Jess' twin sister Jennifer, Isaac decided to pop the question in Japan.

An exciting job opportunity in Charlotte for Jess marked a bittersweet end to their time in Phoenix, and in October 2023 they moved across the country and bought their first home. Isaac followed in suit and found a new job in Charlotte as well, and Zelda loves finally having a back yard with room to run around and plenty of squirrels to chase.