How did you two meet?
Ellen: "Jake and I met in Auburn, Alabama senior year of college. We are both from Montgomery, Alabama, but went to different high schools, so we had never met before. I remember the first time meeting Jake. I immediately told my friends that I thought he was so cute, sweet and seemed so genuine-- which really stuck out to me. As we started talking, we found out we had so much in common and loved the same hobbies— which made us both so interested in each other."
Jake: "Ellen and I first met in Auburn when we were out and about one night with a group of friends. One of my good buddies, Tatum Dean, went to high school at Trinity with Ellen. It was very easy to introduce ourselves when we first met. I remember thinking she was very beautiful and so smart when talking to her. She loved the pictures I had on my phone of my dog (Harley) and cat (Yukon) back at home, which sparked great conversation. We shortly found out that we both had so much in common from loving our pets to spending time in the outdoors."
How and when did Jake propose?
Ellen: "Jake proposed on December 14th, 2019. He proposed in the most thoughtful and sweetest way possible. Jake knows how much I love my farm and how it is my absolute happy place. My grandfather passed away about two years ago, and he was one of the most important people in my life. His house is built on our farm, so growing up I went out there all the time. When Jake and I started dating, I would always talk about the memories I made growing up going out there to see him and how much I love it out there. The day he proposed, we had just gotten home from my sister's college graduation, and he told me to stay in my nice clothes because we were going to go out to dinner with his family. When we got in the car to go to 'dinner,' he told me that we needed to stop by my farm so he could give something to my uncle-- which was completely normal because they are like best friends, so I did not think twice about it. We pulled up to my grandfather's house at the farm, and he told me he would be 'right back' and to 'stay in the car.' A couple minutes passed and he came back to the car and tells me to get out and to follow him. I was so confused at this point, but still did not think twice about anything. He walked me to the front of my grandfather's house and started telling me how much he loved me and how he wants to do life together forever. He then got down on one knee and PROPOSED! It was so special and meant the world to me that he proposed at my farm because he knows how happy being there makes me and how big of a place it holds in my heart. He also had my two best friends hiding in the bushes capturing the whole proposal and had an after party with all of our closest friends and family there! He did so amazing, and it is a memory that I will cherish forever!"
Jake-- what's one thing you admire most about Ellen?
Jake: "Shoot, what isn’t there to admire about Ellen? I admire her heart, hard work, and being the love of my life! She is so, so perfect inside and out. She is my very best friend, and there is no way I could do life without her. She works harder than anyone I know and has the biggest heart!"
Ellen-- what's one thing you admire most about Jake?
Ellen: "I admire so many traits that Jake has. The first thing that comes to mind that I admire most about him is how he loves me. He goes above and beyond to make sure I am always taken care of and he makes me feel so safe and secure. He truly is my best friend, and I know he will forever be my rock through the good and bad. I love him with my entire heart and cannot wait to grow old with him by my side. He truly is the love of my entire life!"
What are some things you two enjoy doing together?
Ellen: "Jake and I actually love all the same hobbies which has been so fun for us over the years we have dated! We both love the outdoors, so we are constantly outside. We love to hunt, fish and go to both of our farms together. We love to workout with each other and go on long walks. We also love to go out to eat. We have so much fun going to different restaurants and trying new foods. We are both huge family people, so some of our most special memories together are spending time with both of our families and grandparents."
What was each of y’all’s favorite part of the wedding day?
Ellen: "Honestly, I don’t know if I can even put into words how special our wedding day was. Everything was beyond what I could have ever prayed for. It was so perfect and incredible. One of my favorite memories that I will cherish forever was mine and Jake’s 'first look.' Seeing Jake for the first time was a feeling I will never forget-- I truly was in awe. I was so blessed to have the most amazing bridesmaids by my side, along with my precious family and friends who I adore more than anything in this world. The ceremony and reception were truly a dream come true, and I give all the glory up to the Lord because I know His presence was what made our wedding day one in a million."
Jake: "Oh goodness! The whole day was absolutely awesome, and I wish I could go back with Ellen and relive it! For me, our 'first look' was my favorite part just because of the suspense, anticipation, and how excited I was to see her in her wedding dress. She looked so beyond beautiful and it was such a special moment for us!"
What’s next for you two?
Ellen: "We built our first house in the cutest neighborhood-- Woodland Creek, which is in Pike Road, Ala. We are fully moved in, which is SO exciting and fun for us. We also got a puppy, so our little family is getting all situated and loving every minute of being all together. We are both working in Montgomery, AL and enjoying our jobs very much. We are so blessed to finally be married and start the adventure of doing everyday life together! All the glory goes up to the good Lord for blessing us with more than we deserve."
Vendors:
Ceremony: First Baptist Church
Reception + catering: Wynlakes
Coordinating + florist: BK Wed
Photography: Brooke Glassford of Colorbox
Video: Preston Etheredge
Hair and makeup: GLOW
Bride's Dress: Carriage House
Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Cakes: Cake Designs
Reception band: 4 Barrel Funk
Invitations: Katie Miller - Ink Sugar Co.