Ashley and Jacob would have never met each other if Ashley had not moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Ashley moved from Downers Grove, IL in 2019 shortly after graduating from North Central College with a biology degree. Ashley is pursuing a PhD degree at KU studying restoration prairies in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Jacob is a native Kansan, as he was born Lawrence and primarily raised in a small town called McLouth. He is a fellow KU Jayhawk and graduated with an economics degree in 2020. Jacob currently works for the State of Kansas and previously worked in the banking industry. Ashley and Jacob met as most modern couples do; on a dating app! They have not stopped talking since they matched with each other in December 2020. They continued to date, experience new life adventures, and take many road trips. Ashley, Jacob, and their cat (Lexi) live together in a Lawrence apartment. Jacob asked Ashley to marry him at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve on a very windy day overlooking the beautiful Flint Hills. They are so excited to get married at Clover Cliff Ranch which is located in the heart of the Flint Hills!!

Get to know us a little with some Questions & Answers! What are three words that you would describe each other? A: Jacob's three words are patient, analytical and reliable. J: Ashley's three words are beautiful, intelligent and selfless. What is your favorite gift you have received from each other? A: My favorite gift that Jacob has given me is a glass pendant necklace of my favorite prairie flower, Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis). He gave it to me on our first Christmas together even though we had agreed on no gifts (he didn't listen, and I got him something later)! J: My favorite gift from Ashley is the Weller Antique 107 bourbon that she gave me as an engagement gift. Ashley went around Louisville, KY after a conference trip searching for this rarer bottle of bourbon. Weller was one of the first bourbons we enjoyed together so it meant something special. What's your favorite trip we've taken together? A: Really any road trip we've taken! New Mexico, South Dakota Badlands, Minnesota and Illinois trips all have been special in different ways. J: Our New Mexico trip! We explored Albuquerque, White Sands National Park and Roswell all while camping at near freezing temperatures. Who's the better cook? cleaner? planner? driver? Both: Ashley, Jacob, Ashley, Jacob What is your favorite meal to cook together? A: I love making Italian dishes with Jacob with fresh pasta but I also love trying new recipes where we both learn something new (ingredients or cooking technique). Our most recent new recipe was shrimp étouffée. J: Chicken parmesan without a doubt! We make it often with homemade pasta and sauce. What's your favorite activity or hobby to do together? A: I enjoy cooking with Jacob the most. I also like hiking/camping at new state parks or even just going grocery shopping with him! J: I enjoy when Ashley comes along with me to play disc golf or at least "hike" while I play. One of our favorite disc golf courses around Kansas is actually at our venue, Clover Cliff Ranch! Where is your favorite date night? A: Merchants, but really any other downtown Lawrence restaurant! J: Dinner at Merchants. Where are you going for your honeymoon? Both: Cancún, Mexico! P.S. All our incredible engagement photographs were taken by Kandace Wakeman (kandacegriffinphotography.com).