Their journey began on a Wednesday night at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Following a difficult season, Kenna was encouraged by a close friend to attend Wild West Wednesday to lift her spirits. Though she was initially reluctant, she eventually decided to go—unaware that these weekly line dancing events would soon become a cornerstone of her life.
While dancing within her circle of friends, Kenna’s attention was repeatedly drawn to a man distinguished by his black cowboy hat, bolo tie, and snakeskin boots. Too shy to introduce herself, she privately gave him the nickname Snakeskin. A month passed before he finally approached her to share a Barn Dance. Even then, Kenna remained reserved, and it was only after several partner dances that she finally learned his name Justin.
By November, the two had begun talking daily. Their first significant evening together took place on Christmas night. After the day’s celebrations concluded, Justin reached out to see if Kenna wanted to join him and his friends. He picked her up from her family home in Farley, and they spent the night at a house party hosted by his neighbor, Julia—who, fast forward today is one of Kenna’s bridesmaids.
From that night forward, the two were inseparable. Their bond was tested early on by a spontaneous, 34-hour road trip to Texas to pick up a truck for Justin. For two people who had only recently met, that long of a trip could have made them or broke them, but it remains one of their best decisions they have made.
These days, if they aren’t working, you’ll find them at truck pulls, fishing, or shooting pool. Kenna is always Justin’s biggest cheerleader in the pits, and Justin is her number one fan when it comes to her martial arts rankings/tournaments, or her creative hobbies.
Through every high and low, Justin and Kenna have remained side-by-side. They enter this new chapter not only as partners but as one anothers greatest fans, best teammates, and best friends.