From Long-Distance Love to Forever
Cierra and Jenna met at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where they both attended and played different sports. Cierra played golf and studied communications and business, while Jenna played tennis and studied biochemistry. Jenna first caught Cierra’s eye when she became dorm roommates with her teammate. They fell in love, graduated from college, and made long-distance work for over a year when Cierra moved to central Wisconsin for work while Jenna finished her senior year in undergrad.
After Jenna graduated, they moved into their first apartment together in Denver, Colorado. Jenna pursued a Pharm.D. at the University of Colorado SSPSS while Cierra worked in the area. They fell in love with the state, adopted Charlie, their German Shepherd dog (son), started adventuring in the Rocky Mountains, and have been together for just over five years.
Planning the proposal was challenging for Cierra since she had to keep the engagement ring a secret for over three months after buying it in October. She hid it in her golf bag in a closet, knowing Jenna wouldn’t look there. Cierra chose Taos, New Mexico, for their 4th anniversary trip in January, where they planned to go skiing at Taos Ski Valley, visit the Rio Grande Gorge, and a natural hot spring.
Cierra wanted the proposal to be special, intimate, and with photos. So she decided to hire a secret photographer to capture the moment. Jenna was surprised when Cierra knelt down at the gorge and asked, “Will you be with me forever?” and said, “Of course.” After that, they took some really fun pictures with Frankie, the photographer, who Jenna hadn’t even noticed. They celebrated with dinner at a romantic restaurant in downtown Taos and watched the Green Bay Packers lose.
Cierra purchased the rings from Brilliant Earth, and the experience was great. Jenna chose a ring for Cierra, too, which is also gorgeous and compliments her ring really nicely. In addition, the rings were more affordable since their diamonds are lab-grown.
Their engagement means love that is going to last a lifetime. It reconfirms their commitment to each other. They are excited to be wife and wife and are planning an intimate wedding in the Canadian Rocky Mountains near Banff, AB, CA. They will be getting married alongside Bow River with stunning views of Castle Mountain. Charlie will be with them to see his favorite humans get married, and they will have an intimate dinner in the town of Canmore with a few family and friends to celebrate. It will be a beautiful and unforgettable day.
Photography by Frankie Gomez Photography