Jeremy and Shawndean first met in high school on a mostly empty school bus where they became fast friends who enjoyed competing with each other in academics, and alleged drag races. They shared interests in music, cars, learning, and feeling out of place in the world (read: gifted emo kids).

Throughout the years they stayed close and continued to challenge each other to be better, often turning to each other for support through the trials and tribulations of young adulthood. As time progressed their friendship thrived as they continued to show support for each other while they figured out what type of people they wanted to become. As they faced major decisions -like persevering through Air Traffic Control training, or starting a private practice- they would spend hours talking it through together, always encouraging each other to do the hard things to make their individual dreams come true.

Looking back it is through these long conversations, and endless support, that their friendship blossomed into a desire to build a life together. In hindsight it’s easy to see that after more than a decade of being in each other's corners, they’d eventually decide to take on the future together.

When asked to describe their relationship the phrase that came to mind for Jeremy was “irreverent playfulness”. He then went on to elaborate that this playful irreverence provides a sense of ease to their relationship that allows them to remain friends first and foremost, while also providing a sense of comfort to keep them from taking life so seriously that they forget to laugh along the way.

When asked to describe Shawndean the word he chose was frenetic -for those not carrying a dictionary with them as they read this, it means frenzied, wildly excited, or wild. He said this feels like the best descriptor because he’s never sure what adventure Shawndean will bring into their lives next (whether it’s buying goats, ordering paddle boards on Amazon, or early morning bird hunting dates). To which Shawndean laughed and told him “I promised a life with me would never be boring.”

For Shawndean the word she picked to describe their relationship is "anomie" meaning the breakdown of social norms and values. For her their relationship is defined by its lack of conventional expectations or rules which gives them each a sense of self determination. Anyone who knows Shawndean knows that she likes dismantling things, and doing things her own way. This brazenness -read stubbornness- is why for her the word she'd choose to describe Jeremy is temperate. She considers his steady demeanor and patient attitude to be the balance to her hyperactive whimsy, and the safe haven from which she can find solitude from her penchants for chaos. She goes on to explain that while she may be the wings of their relationship that lets their dreams take flight, he is the roots that makes sure the logistics are sound for their safe arrival.

They both agree that it is this fusion of traits that makes them a well balanced team, and grants them the luxury of a stable partnership.

Anomie and irreverence are why Jeremy and Shawndean decided on the Navajo Family Ranch for their elopement. Neither was interested in a conventional wedding as they find no closeness to a religious god, and instead want to quietly celebrate their commitment to one another in a way that brought her and Jeremy closer to her Navajo heritage, and a place they love.

For them this wedding is less about them and their story, and more about sharing a special moment of unity with their families as a way to reclaiming cultural practices that the heavy fist of colonialism tried to erase.

After all, rebellious has always been in both their natures. And they thank you for joining them on this adventure.