Their story began in early 2016...ski season was upon them, and the Rocky Mountain snow was abundant.
Though they had been introduced a year earlier through mutual friends, the extent of their interactions were only in passing...up until one long weekend in January when that all changed.
Jenna was gearing up for a ski trip to Vail, CO with a group of her girlfriends. Prior to heading out west, she remembered that TJ frequently skied Vail and messaged him to ask about the off-chance that they’d overlap weekends. A shot in the dark - she thought - but was pleasantly surprised when he responded that he’d be out there as well. It wasn’t until 6 months into them dating (spoiler alert!) that TJ admitted he booked that flight immediately after Jenna reached out.
They skied together, shared chairlifts, sparks flew. Some might say it was love at first turn. When the weekend came to a close, they both headed back to Minnesota, and a friendship slowly turned into…the real deal. As TJ claims, “she played hard to get.”
Though their commute to one another wasn't exactly convenient - TJ residing in Edina and Jenna on the other side of the cities in Lowertown St. Paul - it didn’t keep them from continuing to grow their bond. Much of those first two years was spent immersing into each other’s social bubbles, enjoying good food (either exploring new restaurants or TJ playing sous chef while Jenna cooked), and attending Vikings' games at USBank stadium. Jenna swallowed her fierce Packer pride in the spirit of enjoying football Sundays together, and TJ admirably accepted that she wouldn't sport even a hint of purple.... arguably the most promising token of their commitment and willingness to compromise!
As time passed, it became clear as crystal - to them and to those around them - that their connection was special. Simply put, they complemented each other and made one another better.
Fast-forward to New Years Eve, 2018…the annual Balsam Lake boot hockey bash was in full swing at Jenna’s family cabin in Wisconsin. Snow was falling, a bonfire was crackling, and their family and friends were gearing up to start the next tilt. After some persuading, TJ convinced Jenna to hop in the UTV with him for a ride. TJ peeled out toward a peninsula on the lake where there sat what would become their perfect engagement setting - fit with candles, blankets, and champagne.
After celebrating amongst themselves, the newly engaged couple returned to the rink to spend the rest of the day celebrating with some of their closest people. It was one of their favorite days yet and they look forward to topping it (with you!) on February 22nd, 2020, back in Vail where their story began.