Sarah and Jesse first met when Jesse started spending summers in Oregon at age 7, and she was 8. They would catch up at the local kid's playground with all their friends, always playing kid games around their neighborhood.

Their first kiss actually happened before their first date when they were just teenagers. Jesse was 16, Sarah 17. One day, Sarah was hanging out with Jesse's younger sister, Joy. Sarah randomly walked in Jesse's room while he was watching The Flintstone's movie. She sat right down next to him on the floor, gave him that look and they shared their first kiss. She stood up right after and left to go hang out with Joy. Jesse sat there stunned feeling quite "Yabadadoo!" But he didn't chase her then, he just played the shocked "keep it cool" vibe.

Their first impromptu date was at Chinook Winds Casino when Jesse invited Sarah to celebrate his 21st birthday. Things got to popping and the dance floor was hot. Late into the night Sarah and Jesse connected on that dance floor and showed off their boogey shoes. Couple songs into dancing together, she gave him that look like she did when they had their first kiss as teens. He leaned in and gave her their first standing kiss. It felt like they kissed the whole ride home from the casino. Thanks to big brother Jackie for driving them in his one bench seat truck and putting up with them the whole Kernville ride home. That night they sat under the table umbrella in the backyard while raining, holding each other. That's when Jesse knew right then that Sarah was the one. On the next day, they had their "official" first date at Road River Lounge where their relationship blossomed to what it is today, a beautiful family with four beautiful children; Tenaya, Nehayla, Julian and Cruz.

From Jesse:

My favorite thing about Sarah is her undeniable love for her family/friends and culture. Love that she is deeply rooted. I love getting the chance to continue our dances on several other dance floors: pow wow dance arena's, Siletz ne-dash dance floor (feather dance long house), seeing her still light up every time she dances. I love laughing with her about the most simple dumbest things in life. Or when she goes on a long laughing rant right after hearing her own joke, lol. I love that she's such a great partner, mom and friend who truly cares.

From Sarah:

Our friendship started when we were both working at Chinook Winds Casino, but we've known each other since we were in grade school. We started dancing together at the Siletz Native Dance House when we were just 14. My first impression of Jesse was that he was very handsome with a big heart. My favorite things about Jesse is that he's forever loyal to his family and friends, and his never ending kindness to not just his loved ones, but to other human beings in need. He's a loving man, and he's all about the family.

Registry