Jackson was a student at University of Oregon, while Alyssa was a student at University of Delaware. Both signed up to go to a conference at Louisiana State University, never thinking the networking they would be doing would result in finding their SoulMate. What started as a conversation on the first day of the conference about cookies, quickly became glances at each other during presentations. Hoping to run into each other at any opportunity. Jackson decided to take the initiative and ask Alyssa for coffee, which she did not realize was a date! He was not deterred and asked her to get dinner, which Alyssa again didn't realize was a date and invited 10 other people! Finally Jackson decided asking her to the conference dance would have to get across to her, it was a date. Alyssa was absolutely clueless and still didn’t know it was a date. That night they sat together talking until 5am, when they had to leave to fly back to their coasts. As Jackson had gotten on the bus to go to the airport he saw Alyssa and ran off the bus to hug her and tell her how great it was meeting her. He knew with that hug he sealed the deal. Once back to their coasts they video chatted every day for hours. Quickly falling for each other more and more. After a summer of virtual dates (that Alyssa finally knew were dates), Jackson flew to the East Coast where he asked Alyssa to be his girlfriend in person! On their first official in person date Alyssa was so nervous she spilt not 1 but 2 glasses of wine. Jackson took it like a champ and helped her clean the table each time! Months went by with them each on their own coast falling more and more for each other. When COVID hit the world, Alyssa was sick with it for months and it didn't deter Jackson one bit. He became her virtual caretaker, staying by her side through a laptop and internet connection. When COVID had settled down and Alyssa was healthy they knew they needed to be together in person. So they spent the next few years bouncing back and forth between Pennsylvania and Oregon. 2022 was a huge year for the “Sminkards". In one year they rescued their husky named Freya (literally rescued… from a freeway), Jackson attended Navy Officer Candidate School, and our favorite couple packed up and moved to Seattle (technically Everett but who's keeping track). In November, they completed their family by rescuing (from a parking lot), Odin! After 4 years and thousands of miles traveled, Jackson knowing their joint love of wine, surprised Alyssa with a trip to the Sonoma Valley in October of 2023. Jackson “suspiciously” booked a hair appointment for Alyssa for dinner later that evening. After getting all dolled up, they headed to dinner. When they arrived at the restaurant, they were offered a farm tour. This was Jackson’s plan all along. Once at the farm standing in the flowers when Alyssa’s back was turned, Jackson dropped to one knee. Alyssa turned around and Jackson popped the question. Our relationship is easy, loving, and full of laughter. Through all the trials and tribulations this life may bring, we know we can make it through as long as we have each other. We know our home is wherever we are together. We are so excited to celebrate this next chapter with all of you!