They first met at a party when Jess was visiting Charlotte in Virginia. Tom tried to strike up a conversation, but the way he tells the story is that Jess put her hand in his face and walked away. Flash forward one year and Jess moved and settled in Northern Virginia. She became friends with Tom's sister, Monica, so they all spent time together as friends having dinner or going on group hikes. After much deliberating, Tom finally asked Jess out on their first date on March 2nd in 2017!

Jess' parents, sister, and grandmother were visiting and they spent the whole week playing tourist in DC. One Sunday, they planned on visiting a museum with them. Tom texted Jess early in the morning asking if she wanted to skip the museum and go on a hike in Rock Creek Park instead and meet up with her family later. Jess was very resistant to cancel on her family during their visit, so she flat out refused! Later that day, they were all having brunch and Jess' mom unknowingly made the perfect comment to set Tom's plan in motion. Mrs. W: "So, you two must have been to this museum a lot. I bet you wouldn't mind skipping it." Tom: "Actually, I was hoping to take Jess on a hike today at a park where we went on one of our first dates." Mrs. W: *realizing what is going on* "Oh, yes, you two go ahead! You can meet up with us when we are done." Mr. W: *realizing what is going on* "Yeah, go! Have fun! We will see you later!" Jess: *not realizing what is going on* "Oh...okay...sure...that sounds good..." Tom: *sigh of relief* They went to Rock Creek Park and retraced the trail they hiked on their second date. During the hike, Tom pulled out a little pouch from his pocket and got down on one knee. It all finally clicked for Jess and she of course accepted! We can't wait to celebrate with you!