We Eloped!

We are so thankful to all of you in our lives. Thank you all so much for the part you guys have played and watching us grow into the individuals we are. We hope you all are just as excited as us to watch us grow as a couple and family! We can’t wait to see what’s next!

Our wedding day began peacefully, just the two of us. We woke up around 9:00 that morning, spent a little time loving on our puppies, and then set out together to pick up our marriage license. It was the first step in the day that would forever change our lives. When we returned home, we got ready side by side, savoring every quiet moment together. My mom lovingly helped with my hair and placed my veil, creating a memory I’ll treasure forever. Once we were ready, we made the drive together to our venue, where our closest family and friends were waiting to witness the beginning of our next chapter. Our ceremony was everything we had hoped it would be—simple, intimate, and filled with so much love. Before exchanging our rings, we invited our family and friends to participate in a ring warming ceremony, passing our rings from hand to hand while filling them with their prayers, blessings, and well wishes for our marriage. Surrounded by the people who have loved and supported us, we then exchanged the vows from Corpse Bride—words that have always held a special place in our hearts and perfectly reflected the lifelong promise we were making to one another. With a kiss and the joyful announcement that we were officially husband and wife, we stepped into our new life together. After the ceremony, we spent time embracing our loved ones and capturing photographs that we’ll cherish forever. Once everyone had headed home, we lingered a little longer, taking portraits of just the two of us and soaking in the excitement of being newly married. Before the day could truly be complete, we made one final stop to file our marriage license, making our marriage official in every way. Then, after such an emotional and unforgettable morning, we returned home for a peaceful afternoon nap, enjoying a quiet pause before the evening’s celebrations. As the evening arrived, we packed an overnight bag and met Emma’s parents and grandparents for a celebratory dinner, ending the meal with ice cream and plenty of laughter. It was the sweetest way to celebrate with the people who have been by our side through every chapter of our story. As the sun began to set, we started our journey to our mini-moon. Hand in hand, we drove away as husband and wife, filled with excitement for the adventures ahead. Our wedding day wasn’t about elaborate details or grand celebrations—it was about choosing each other, surrounded by the people we love most. It was joyful, peaceful, deeply meaningful, and the perfect beginning to the rest of our forever.

Jaken and Emma met junior year of high school through mutual friends. After about thirty minutes of goofing off in the school hallways, Emma declared to one of her best friends “I’m going to marry him.” She was 16. He was dating someone else. Bold choice. A few months later, Jaken and Emma dated for like two weeks (which they both agree barely counts), and then didn’t really talk for over a year. At graduation, Emma spotted Jaken a few rows ahead of her right after she had just walked the stage. They waved at each other and exchanged huge grins. They spoke a few times over the summer, but Emma in dramatic Emma fashion, got mad at Jaken for a reason she doesn’t remember. After that, they didn’t speak for 8 months. In March, Emma saw Jaken on Snapchat quick adds. She decided that it was finally time to be mad at him. He added her back almost instantly. What started as complaining turned into a FaceTime call that lasted for hours. In May, Jaken admitted he still had feelings. Emma said she didn’t. That lasted about a week. Soon came late nights talking until 4 a.m. in Jaken’s truck, driveways, and parking lots, discussing everything from life plans, music, high school, and most of the times, absolutely nothing important. Emma got scared and tried to walk away, then came back the very next day. Jaken told her that this was it. On June 16th, right before midnight, Jaken asked Emma to be his girlfriend while sitting in his truck. She said yes. He almost told her he loved her that same night, stopped himself, and then said it anyway. She said it back. They told family in July, and the rest is history. Now they live together, have two very spoiled puppies named Athena and Honey, and are working hard to build the life they used to talk about during those late night, parked car conversations.