Thank you so much for the beautiful oak serving board! We can’t wait to use it during the many dinner parties you’ll be invited to this winter. Looking forward to celebrating with you at our wedding!

For a kitchen gift you received before your wedding

How did you know we were dreaming of those crystal champagne flutes?! They’re by far the most beautiful glasses in our home and we’ve never felt fancier. You’ll have to come over soon so we can toast to you! So excited to see you in June.

For drinkware you received before your wedding

We had a blast dancing the night away with you at our wedding. We also can’t thank you enough for the espresso maker. Our mornings have never been brighter! We can’t wait to see you in Austin next month… all caffeinated up!

For a coffee gift you received after your wedding

Where have you been hiding those killer dance moves? Thank you so much for rocking out at our wedding. And we absolutely love our new cast iron skillet and cookbook! We’re already cooking up a storm. Hope to see you soon in New York!

For cookware you received after your wedding

Thank you so much for the beer-brewing kit! We hope to be sipping backyard IPAs with you in no time. We missed you at the wedding, but know you were there in spirit. Can’t wait to see you when we’re back from our honeymoon!

For a gift-giver who couldn’t come to your wedding

Physical Gift

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Alyssa & Jacques

Things To Do

Alyssa joined the co-ed club field hockey team during her freshman year at the University of Maryland. Jacques was the club president — and we quickly became best friends!

January 2019

We visited each other almost every weekend after classes ended. This was when we officially started dating!

June 2019

Jacques graduated with his master's degree. His family came to visit from South Africa and met Alyssa for the first time. He'd later earn his Ph.D. at UMD.

December 2019

We traveled to South Africa over winter break, despite only being together about 6 months. It was a big gamble — but the best decision we made! It was priceless time with Jacques' family.

January 2020

Throughout all of Covid, Jacques lived with the Kraus House (thanks Mike & Lisa!) while UMD held virtual classes. This is when he truly became a part of the family!

June 2020

We moved in with our college best friends, Stef and Steven. We spent all of Alyssa's junior and senior year together in an apartment.

September 2020

With his own family in South Africa, Jacques spent holidays with the Kraus House

December 2020

Jacques surprised Alyssa with a trip to Las Vegas for her 21st birthday. It was our first solo vacation together.

May 2021

We secretly went engagement ring shopping in NYC but didn't tell anyone! We ended up coming back years later to officially select the ring.

December 2021

Alyssa graduated from UMD, and we moved into our first apartment in Rockville, MD.

May 2022

We added a new member to our family, Winston!

October 2022

Jacques graduated with his Ph.D. and we moved to our current apartment in Gaithersburg, MD.

July 2023

We got engaged in Carmel by the Sea, California! Let the wedding planning begin!