Sydney Harris and Jessi Powers led parallel lives for many years before their paths converged.
Both women, now in their thirties, were raised in devout families and married soon after finishing high school. Powers, originally from Alaska, is a mother of two who dedicated her days to homeschooling. Harris, who grew up on Orcas Island, also has two children and was a stay-at-home parent.
“We had a specific vision of how our lives should unfold,” Harris shared, reflecting on their past. “We cherished our families and faith communities, striving to embody that life. Despite our efforts, there was always a sense of incompleteness. We followed the rules, yet something felt amiss.”
In 2022, Harris came out to her husband, children, and family, a decision echoed by Powers thousands of miles away.
“We prioritized our own happiness, even at the risk of losing everything. The journey was not without heartache,” Harris recounted. “Interestingly, we were on similar paths in different corners of the world.”
Powers temporarily left Alaska for Seattle, returning periodically to see her kids. Despite going on a few dates, she didn’t find a genuine connection. During a visit back home, Powers inadvertently expanded the radius on a dating app, leading to a serendipitous match with Harris, residing on a nearby island.
“It was purely accidental that we crossed paths,” Powers recalled. “Feeling disenchanted in Seattle and on the brink of returning to Alaska, I decided to be candid when we started texting.”
Harris was captivated by Powers’ candidness from the outset. “In just a few messages, I sensed a surreal realization: the dreams of my youth were materializing,” she mused.
After weeks of online communication, Harris traveled to Seattle for a date with Powers on December 30. Both harbored doubts about the authenticity of their virtual connection in person.
“The emotions we shared in those messages were amplified tenfold when we met face to face,” Harris reminisced.
Their first kiss took place in a minivan, a humorous nod to their roles as mothers. Describing it as the “best first kiss ever,” both women cherished the moment.
On that day, Harris had been shopping for New Year’s Eve party favors, including miniature trophies. Following their kiss, she presented one to Powers in celebration of her “first move on a woman.” A year later, they exchanged full-size, personalized trophies as a surprise, commemorating that special occasion.
In the ensuing months, they nurtured their relationship despite the distance. Powers eventually relocated to Orcas Island, where she found work at Orcas Island Market alongside Harris.
Eager to unite their lives, Harris, a mother of two, and Powers, with a teenage daughter and son, navigated the complexities of blending their families.
Initially apprehensive about her mother’s new journey, Powers’ daughter, Jules, and Harris’ children gradually formed a close bond, now considering each other as siblings.
Their love story challenges societal norms, prompting Powers’ daughter to confront her church community on acceptance and compassion.
In a moment of synchronicity, Powers and Harris independently purchased rings and orchestrated proposals last September, both receiving a resounding “yes” in response. They anticipate tying the knot this year.
Navigating significant life changes together, they embrace the roles of step-parents and navigate their identities as queer women.
While they anticipated encountering prejudice in their community, the couple was surprised by objectifying remarks following their public acknowledgment as a couple.
Despite the challenges, they find solace in their shared passion for pickleball and cherish their Sundays as a sacred day to unwind and strengthen their bond.
As they continue scripting their love story, Harris affirms, “We always knew we were destined for an extraordinary tale.”