Chris Ohta Photography
July 10, 2010
Kelsey and Justin
All about Kelsey (the bride)!
Kelsey was born and raised in the small town of Leavenworth, Washington. She attended Cascade High school where she played basketball and cheerleaded for the football team. In the year of 2004 she graduated from Cascade with plans of attending Central Washington University that fall. From a young age, Kelsey knew she wanted to become a teacher, and Central had a renowned education program. She finished her studies in March of 2009 with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. Currently, she is searching for a job in education and coaching cheerleading for a second season. Kelsey enjoys being surrounded by her family and friends, shopping, travel anywhere she can get a good tan, being outdoors, and spending quality time with her fiance' :)
All about Justin (the groom)!
Justin was born and raised in Yakima, Washington. He grew up in the East Valley School District where he was active in several organized sports including his favorite, baseball. Justin graduated high school in 2001 and went on to study engineering at Central Washington University. After several quarters of exploration in the fields of engineering and actuarial science, he discovered an interest in accounting. Justin eventually received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in June of 2006. Upon graduation, Justin was hired for a position with the Washington State Auditor's Office where he is currently employed. He enjoys playing golf, baseball, camping, traveling, anything outdoors, and spending quality time with his fiance', family, friends, and his boxer dog Kahlua.
How we met!
Justin and Kelsey were introduced while attending college at Central Washington University. Justin would frequently hang out at Kelsey's sisters house and bring his boxer dog Kahula over to play with Becca's boxer Peyton. Kelsey was also over at her sisters house often; being new at CWU, their house was a safe place to seek the comforts of home, spend time with her sisters, eat (quality) food, and do laundry. After catching each others eye (several times), Justin found the courage to ask Kelsey out on their first date. The rest...is all...history!!
How we got Engaged!
Friday April 10, 2009 Justin and I were traveling to Leavenworth for the weekend. On the drive over he reiterated a comment he had made a few days prior; he wanted to go to the BarnBeach when we arrived in Leavenworth. I thought the idea was a little suspicious; however, I didn't give it much thought, and promptly agreed. (It is one of my favorite places!) It wasnt the nicest day in regards to the weather. It was slightly overcast and there was a light chilling breeze. When we arrived in Leavenworth, we didnt waste any time and headed straight for the BarnBeach. We drove into the parking area, only to find a few other cars. As we were getting out a group of three passed us, appearing to be heading to the same destination. Justin seemed hesitant to join the others, so I took matters into my own hands. All locals know of another hidden trail that will lead you to a private sandy beach located just beyond the rocks of the BarnBeach. After walking the short trail, Justin, Kahlua (our boxer dog) and myself found the private sandy beach to be deserted. I was taking in the beautiful scenery while Justin (attempted) to skip a few rocks in the water. He then made the comment there are no good skipping rocks on beach! At this point, my competitive nature took over and I told him that I would find a good rock for him to skip (and I was determined to do so)! I searched the beach for a few minutes until I came upon the best skipping rock I had ever discovered. It was slightly smooth and very flat and skinnyperfect for skipping! I immediately shouted I found the best skipping rock ever! As I headed his direction, it appeared that he had also found a rock, for there was something in his hand. He quickly disagreed with me and proceeded to claim that he had found the perfect rock! He tossed my rock into the water, without appreciating its perfect capacity to skip, and pulled out a white box with a beautiful diamond ring inside. I immediately started to cry as he told me that he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with mehe got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!
Things we love about each other:
How we are able to make each other laugh, our shared love for animals especially our dog Kahlua, our appreciation for the outdoors and nature, how we can calm and comfort each other during the most stressful times, and how we are able to have fun together!