Jake and Gabby’s story began long before either of them realized it. Although they officially reconnected in December 2023, they actually first met nearly 20 years earlier. Their parents have been close friends since high school, and Jake’s family was there to celebrate Gabby’s parents’ wedding in 2000. Somewhere in the middle of that celebration, a three-year-old Jake and a three-year-old Gabby were playing together, and yes, there are photos to prove it. Fast forward two decades, and the Lewellens came to Charlotte to spend Christmas with the Powers family. During that visit, Jake and Gabby met again as adults and quickly hit it off. After an impromptu trip to Asheville and some time spent showing Jake around North Carolina, it became clear that this reunion felt like something special.

When Jake returned to California after Christmas, they stayed in close touch and made plans for Gabby to visit him in February. But after Gabby hurt her back and could no longer make the trip, Jake did what he does best and made the impossible happen. He surprised her by flying to Charlotte instead, and after spending that week together, the rest really was history.

The next chapter of their relationship was built across state lines, airports, and plenty of plane tickets. For nearly a year and a half, they made long distance work while finding every chance to meet in the middle and make memories together, with trips to San Jose, Dallas, Lake Tahoe, Columbia, and Charleston along the way. In the summer of 2025, Jake officially moved to Charlotte, and they finally got to start their life in the same city.

On March 21, 2026, Jake proposed in Columbia, South Carolina, a place that has always held a special place in Gabby’s heart. It was such a meaningful way to begin this next chapter, surrounded by the memories and places that helped shape her story. Now, they cannot wait to celebrate their wedding in Charlotte in 2027 with all the people they love most.