While Jessica was in her Junior year attending VCU, Jackson also moved to Richmond, VA to complete his Masters Degree in Sport Leadership. Jackson began working as a Graduate Assistant for the VCU Athletic Department while Jessica was an undergraduate intern for the same program. They met a few times in passing at various athletic events throughout the first semester but did not really begin getting to know each other until January of 2018. One night, Jessica was leaving a bar (not exactly by choice...escorted out by bar staff) when she ran into Jackson outside. They began talking and getting to know each other better and as the night progressed, they came to the agreement to see each other again the following day. Jackson and Jessica proceeded to spend the whole next day together. From coffee at Black Hand, to walking across the Belle Isle riverfront, to visiting the Virginia Fine Arts Museum, and finishing off the day at the local favorite Galaxy Diner, they realized that they had a genuine connection. They continued to date (under the nose of the Athletic Department of course) throughout the semester before Jackson made plans to continue his career with NC State Athletics in Raleigh, NC while Jessica finished her undergraduate degree. The following year, Jackson and Jessica continued to visit each other and cultivate their relationship. During this time, Jackson adopted Pete, who is their current family dog. Jessica accepted a position in NC State Athletics' Marketing Department upon graduation - they were finally together in one city again! In the Winter of 2019, Jackson pursued a higher-level position in the industry and made the move to Wilmington, NC, while Jessica remained 2 hours away in Raleigh as they continued their long-distance relationship. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020, Jessica moved to Wilmington with Jackson and ended their long-distance stint. They have been living together with Pete ever since and are excited to continue their over 5+ year journey together.