3 minute read

his isn’t a story of love at first sight or a modern day romance of an app-fueled connection. Theirs is a love that has grown slowly, quietly, and yet obviously to everyone in their inner (and let’s be honest, far outer) circles.

It began in South Bend, Indiana – as have the friendships of many of the people in their wedding party. It’s where they both started their TV news careers at a sweatshop-like station that inspired trauma-bonding – which clearly has lasted. Taurean started his gig in 2015, with Jess arriving the next summer. She was assigned to shadow him on July 4. While driving together and after exhausting all the tryhard questions as a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed young journalist, she simply asked him how she could be his friend – as she had none in this new city. Deadpan – he asked, “Do you drink?” “Yes,” she laughed. “Then, we’ll be fine.”

Well, it took another year before Jess could convince Taurean she wasn’t “too nice,” and a friendship began to form. After two to three years apiece at this station, both set their sights on their next moves. Groomsman Taylor Popielarz connected Taurean with the job he had landed earlier that year in D.C. – and Taurean secured the last opening at Spectrum News’ new bureau in December 2018. One month later, Jess ended up finding her new job – at WUSA 9… in D.C.

Their friendship deepened – and the COVID-19 pandemic cemented their future. They became each other’s bubble, following all isolation rules except with each other. When the world began to open up again, Jess decided to try dating on the apps, but found herself texting Taurean after every one – asking if he wanted to meet up for drinks. Since 2018, friends teased the two of them – asking why they weren’t dating, some convinced they were hiding a romantic relationship. The response was always “we’re just friends.” Feelings finally bubbled over on Halloween in 2021 – when a dance floor kiss turned into Jess asking Taurean if they should talk about “us.” They decided to give being “more than friends” a go and quickly fell deeply in love.

Jess – with Taurean’s thoughtfulness, creativity, and calmness. Taurean – always calling Jess his home. During the busiest year of his life on the campaign trail, Taurean somehow found the time to design a one-of-a-kind ring with Jess’s family jeweler and surprise her with a proposal in Taurean’s city – Chicago – with both of their parents and some of their closest friends (all of whom are in the wedding party) watching. They can’t wait to officially merge their lives, families, and names – as they become the Arnold-Smalls in The City of Brotherly Love on 1.25.26.

So, it may not have been love at first sight, but it’s a pretty great story, right?