Jake and Elle met in July 2018 – well, that’s when they officially met. Before that, she’d attended countless shows of his between various bands he’s been in, and they had actually gone on a one-minute date during a speed-dating event one of his bands hosted in 2016 (before you cringe, it was a funny event, not a sad event). "Wait, is Elle a groupie?" Yes, but accidentally. Come one night in the summer of 2018, Elle and Jake went to what was each of their favorite watering holes in south Saint Louis, found a moment to connect, then stayed up until 5:00 AM talking on Jake’s front porch. It was a simple start: They bonded over their shared love for animals, classic rock, and salty snacks. "Is that really the fuel for a lasting relationship?" Probably not, but for E & J, it sure was the kindling. They spent the next handful of years hiking, swimming, ice-skating, line-dancing, karaoke-ing, and finding all those wonderful everyday bits to fill in the gaps; they merged their lives (and many pets!) into one home and found that everything grew better when they were together. A tale as old as time, if you will.

In early 2024, the lovebirds went to the river confluence for some eagle-watching (they both adore raptors). Elle spotted an enormous bald eagle perched in a tree, and they ran over to get a closer look as he took off and soared in circles; they each had a set of binoculars Elle's grandmother gifted them for Christmas. After Elle finally pulled herself away from her binoculars, the eagle had landed, literally and metaphorically -- she turned around to find Jake on one knee with a ring. It was perfect.