We're Getting Married!!

Four years ago, we started on this amazing journey together, but our story actually began way back in high school. We were just friends then, sharing classes and casual chats, but we never dated. After graduation, we went our separate ways to different universities. It was during college that we found each other again, and our friendship quickly turned into something much more. Jake went to the University of Alabama, while Sydney started her college life at James Madison University in Virginia. Despite the distance, our bond grew stronger, and we knew we wanted to be together. Due to Covid Sydney did community college for her first year and then decision to transfer to the University of Alabama. This was the start of a new chapter in our lives, filled with love, growth, and shared dreams. We have had so many incredible adventures and made countless memories together. One of the biggest moments was when Jake proposed at the Almost Heaven Swing in West Virginia, while we were riding the Hatfield Trails. Sydney had no idea it was coming, making it one of the most special moments in our lives, and it always will be. The stunning views and the thrill of the trails made for a perfect moment, sealing our commitment to each other. Every Fourth of July, we celebrate at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, where Jake got to meet Sydney's amazing family from Kentucky and Pennsylvania. These gatherings, filled with laughter, fireworks, and shared stories, have become cherished traditions we look forward to each year. Jake has embraced everything Sydney loves about Smith Mountain Lake, from wake surfing and wakeboarding to just enjoying the water. His support for her passions made him fall in love with the place too. Our date nights have taken us to some of our favorite spots, like Tony Locos in Woodbine, MD, where we enjoyed delicious meals and great company. The Cheesecake Factory in Columbia, MD, is another special place for us, where we’ve had many meaningful conversations over dessert. Even though these aren’t official dates, Sydney’s unwavering support shone through as she attended most, if not all, of Jake’s beer league hockey games. She not only cheered him on but also made wonderful friendships with his teammates, becoming an integral part of our hockey community. These moments were incredibly special to Jake. A pivotal moment in our relationship was when Sydney met Jake's close friend, Hunter. Jake was a bit nervous, wondering if she would fit in with Hunter's family as well as his own. Hunter is like a brother to Jake, and his parents are like Jake's own. To Jake's delight, Sydney effortlessly connected with them, fitting perfectly into their lives and instantly becoming part of their extended family. This moment was huge for Jake, confirming that Sydney was truly the one he wanted to spend his life with. As we look forward to our wedding day, we’re grateful for every moment that has brought us to this point. There’s a lifetime of memories packed into the last four years—more than we can even express in this story—and we know there are many more to be made in the future. Our story is one of love, adventure, and the unwavering support of our families and friends. We can't wait to continue this beautiful journey together, creating new memories and cherishing the ones we've already made.