Gallery

We first met in April 2021 - a modern-day introduction made possible through Hinge. Our first date was over drinks at Topa Topa in Santa Barbara during a time when masked meetups were still the norm. Jackson was working on the Santa Barbara County Fire Hand Crew, and Kendra had recently moved to Santa Barbara working as a wildlife biologist. Life was busy, but a quiet connection quickly took root.
Our shared love for the outdoors, competitive nature (both former Division I athletes), and our goofy, lighthearted personalities drew us closer together and laid the foundation for something special.
On the morning of September 2, 2024, Jackson took Kendra up to La Cumbre Peak in Santa Barbara to catch the sunrise. As the sun started to rise, Jackson asked Kendra to spend the rest of her life with him. At the highest point in Santa Barbara, she said yes — no hesitation, just smiles (and maybe a few tears).
Now, five years later, we are beginning the next chapter of our lives together.