Our paths crossed ways for a short but significant time period while working on the same project. I (Kirsten) was a supervisor for a potato processing plant and hired Tanner’s company to complete some fabrication projects. Tanner approached me while I was filling out his work permit and said I looked “familiar.” I actually thought he looked familiar too. We talked for a few minutes about ways we could have known each other or people we could have had in common. We didn’t figure it out, but we had too much fun talking and joking around. After this I found myself checking on my projects a little more often… I got really close with Tanner and Bushy (his coworker + friend) and the three of us started hanging out on work breaks. We have so many good memories going to the gas station for snacks, going on parts runs, and getting lunch at subway (the only lunch spot in Connell) 😂 One morning, Tanner got moved off of my project and I asked his boss where he went. He asked me why I wanted Tanner on my project and I just smiled. His boss was quick to relay the message to Tanner that I was “smitten” over him. Tanner doesn’t know this, but I purposely avoided him for a couple of days afterwards because I was nervous (and I never get nervous!!). As my projects were coming to an end, Tanner finally made a move and asked me on a date at the end of the week. I will admit, I was pretty resistant to getting closer to him. And for some time, I wouldn’t reply when he messaged me. I thought he was too good to be true, and I knew how some of those blue collar guys were 😂 But Tanner was persistent. And I realized that he wasn’t going to give up. He wrote me the sweetest letters, sent me flowers, and planned a trip to Coeur d’Alene for us. And to this day, he is still consistent in spoiling me, making me feel so loved, and chasing me. Tanner would tell everyone we met that he was going to marry me, basically right after our first date. I thought he was crazy, but he just seen it before I did. Now I think that there is no way that he loves me more than I love him.

Tanner has entered my friend group and family seamlessly. Everyone loves him! And I absolutely love being a part of his family. I am so blessed to have inherited great in-laws.

With Tanner owning a house in Kennewick with a big yard for our 3 dogs and 3-legged cat, I made the decision to rent out my house in Moses Lake. I am so excited to be making the move to Tri-cities! Not to mention, we are only one street over from his sister, which we love.

We both hold potatoes close to our heart and are thankful that God brought us together so intentionally.