We first crossed paths at Greene Family Camp, a Jewish summer camp tucked away in Central Texas, when we were just eight years old. Jacob grew up in Round Rock, while Jessie called Houston home. Every summer, we’d pack our bags and head to Bruceville, TX, for three and a half fun-filled weeks where we became instant best friends. Once camp ended, our friendship lived on through endless late-night chats on AIM and iChat. By the time high school rolled around, we were still as close as ever, talking whenever we could—though, back then, romance was the last thing on either of our minds.

After high school, life took us in different directions: Jessie headed to Austin to attend The University of Texas, while Jacob moved to Israel, became a citizen, and joined the IDF. Even with the miles (and time zones) between us, we stayed in touch—though not as often as before.

When Jacob returned to Texas in 2016, he set out to reconnect with old friends still in Austin, and he managed to meet up with most of them. But Jessie? Somehow, we kept missing each other. Jacob would reach out, we’d exchange a few texts, and that was the end of it—until Labor Day 2020. As Texas began to emerge from quarantine, our good friend Spencer from camp planned a small reunion while visiting town. That day changed everything. From the moment we reconnected, it was as if no time had passed. We were inseparable, just like back in our camp days.

Fast forward 3 years to Jacob’s birthday. We went to Zilker Park, the same place where we’d had our first date, for a pre-dinner picnic. The weather couldn’t have been better, and as we sipped wine and reminisced about our favorite moments from the past year, the park felt peaceful and private, like it was just for us.

When it was time to pack up, Jacob predicted Jessie’s impatience with folding the picnic blanket (accurate). As Jessie turned to admire the scenery, Jacob seized the moment. He knelt down, ring box in hand, and simply said, “Hey Jess?” Jessie turned around, immediately said “Yes!” (the best birthday present Jacob could have gotten) and the rest was a blur of laughter, hugs, and cheers from strangers across the park. A kind couple even captured the moment for us! We zipped off to our sushi date on Jacob's scooter to celebrate.

We can’t wait to continue this celebration of love with all of you in April!