The story of Anna & Jared
how we met
In early 2019, after a few months of talking long-distance, Jared took Anna on a first date to one of his favorite BBQ spots in Kansas City, Slap’s—only when we arrived, Slap’s was closed. Fortunately, we quickly learned that we could roll with the punches and have fun while doing it.
It was that August at the Iowa State Fair that we made our relationship official. We would date long-distance until 2022, with Jared starting his journalism career in Mason City, Iowa, and Anna completing her MFA in Creative Writing. Jared visited KC, his hometown, often, and Anna took several trips to Mason City.
GROWING TOGETHER
It was at St. Mary’s Episcopal, Anna’s church in KC, where we first said “I love you” in early 2020. Anna leaned on Jared through grad school, especially during the pandemic. Jared leaned on Anna, too; work started to feel like he was covering Covid 24/7. We grounded each other and offered understanding and support through thick and thin.
Jared visited Tucson, Anna’s hometown, for the first time for Christmas of 2021. We explored the botanical gardens, hiked at Sabino Canyon, ate lots of delicious Mexican food, and, of course, watched the Chiefs game! We’ve been lucky to spend so much time with each other’s families, and are so grateful for supportive parents and friends.
After Anna graduated in May 2021, she spent a year adjuncting in Kansas City as we talked about next steps in our relationship and our lives. It was time for Jared to make a move in his career, so he moved to Sioux City, Iowa in October 2021 to work at the Sioux City Journal. Anna started looking for jobs in Siouxland…
today
Anna moved to Sioux City in August, 2022. Three-plus years later, we’ve put down roots together. Jared is an online editor at The Journal, and Anna is an English professor at Briar Cliff University. Last Christmas, 2024, we spent the holidays in Texas with both sets of parents. Jared invited Anna on a sunrise beach walk on South Padre Island, where he had written “Will you marry me?” in the sand. Anna, of course, said “Yes!” We are so excited to start our journey of married life together, and to celebrate with you!
