Both Jess and Pete had recently landed in Kalamazoo during the pandemic, Jess for work and Pete to be closer to family. After matching in early 2021, they quickly realized there was something special between them. Their first date? A walk on a local nature trail with Jess’s newly adopted senior dog, Luna, tagging along. From there, their relationship grew one walk, one conversation, and one adventure at a time. They bonded over their shared love of the outdoors, family, and of course, Luna. Pete also proved early on that he was a keeper by patiently navigating Jess’s self-proclaimed terrible texting habits. As Jess traveled for work leading wilderness trips, Pete would watch Luna and eventually, after one trip, he simply never really left.

Since then, they’ve filled their lives with camping trips, hiking and biking adventures, family visits, a trip to Europe, and more rounds of MarioKart than they can probably count. When it comes to their wedding day at Camp Merrie Woode, what they’re looking forward to most isn’t just saying “I do.” It’s bringing together all the people they love in one place. With friends and family spread across the country, this weekend will be the first time many of them get to meet and that’s what makes it so meaningful. A weekend in the woods, surrounded by their favorite people? It couldn’t be more Jess and Pete.

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