Jesse and Tara were introduced at a local pub by Megan Springer, a very close friend and bridesmaid of Tara and the long term girlfriend of Jesse's brother. After introductions, Jesse immediately tried to strike up a conversation with Tara but was met with some hesitation. Despite the uneventful start, Jesse was smitten and insisted they stay in touch. During the next 7 months, the couple spent their time writing letters back and forth while Jesse was in the Army, sharing phone calls that lasted late into the night talking about anything and everything, and countless adventures when he visited home. The couple effortlessly formed a strong foundation of trust, communication, and genuine connection that quickly bloomed into love.

While vacationing on the Maine coast, adventure called and Acadia National Park beckoned them to visit. Jesse and Tara set off early in the day to make the three hour drive to one of the most memorable days in their lives. Sea salted air and breath taking scenery greeted the couple once they arrived and they decided on one of the more challenging hikes in the park, The Beehive Trail. Beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic and mountainous horizon was in stark contrast with the rocky, steep terrain of the hike but both decided it was well worth the effort. After a long, eventful climb to the peak including involuntary shaking due to Tara's fear of heights, an episode of Jesse nearly fainting in bushes because he forgot to eat that day, and Tara force feeding GU and water; they finally made it the top. The view was extraordinary and the both spent a few moments taking in the breath taking scenery. Jesse soon insisted on a picture of the two of them standing at the highest point of the mountain. Instead of their usual selfie pose, Jesse asked a random hiker to help. He asked the hiker to video the next few moments instead of taking a photo. Jesse surprised everyone by digging out the ring box he had been hiding in his backpack, drop to one knee, and ask Tara to marry him. Tara said yes without hesitation. A crowd that had gathered, unknown to the couple, clapped and congratulated them. The couple then celebrated by exploring the less strenuous hikes the park had to offer, getting lost when leaving the park due to lack of cellphone reception and no map, and eating McDonalds because nothing else was open by the time they found their way back. And they wouldn't change a single thing.