Man Crush Monday | Jared & Tabatha Vander Weel

Tabatha's everyday #ManCrush is her husband, Jared Vanderweel.

Tell us the story of how you met...

We met in May of 2013 through Jared's sister Brigitte. I had just moved to Rochester from Chattanooga, TN, started working with her and we became instant friends. She invited me to her house for a cookout which Jared was also invited to. We both liked each other but wouldn't admit it for months until he asked to take me out for my birthday to Tapas 177.

What makes him crush worthy?

His confidence when he walks into a room, his heart of gold, and his trusting eyes.

What's your favorite story about the two of you?

Getting caught in a storm in the Caribbean Sea. We were on our honeymoon island hopping on a personal catamaran for a week (a wedding present from my in-laws.) Jared was the captain and I was the skipper. Just the two of us on this boat without a care in the world, and we see the storm up ahead. But like most tropical storms, you are in it for a few minutes and just a few miles ahead it is nothing but sunshine. The rain was coming down but we still had our reggae music playing and drinks in hand laughing because nothing could bring us down. It was a perfect imperfect day.

When did you know you wanted to spend the rest of your life with this man?

The first Christmas we had together. Jared went out of his way to make everyone happy including me. I realized then that he was the most selfless person I had ever met.

What are you looking forward to most in your future together?

Retiring in St. Thomas US Virgin Islands

Tell us about the proposal...

December 8th, 2015 we were at Disney World in front of Cinderella's Castle watching the frozen show with my sister, brother-in-law and niece. Jared was standing behind me and when the show ended - I turned around and he was gone. I looked back to my sister and said "I don't know where Jared went," she looked past me and said "he is right behind you." When I turned around he was in a Prince Charming costume, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I of course said yes!

Tell us about your wedding day!

April 5th, 2017 we got married at the Sand Dollar Estate in St. Thomas USVI. I couldn't picture a more perfect day than what we had. Surrounded by friends and family we said "I DO" on the deck of the Little Sand Dollar overlooking the bluest water you have ever seen without a cloud in the sky.