Wedding Day

Ceremony

Our Wedding

Ashlen and I’s love story started with a simple swipe on Facebook Dating. Neither of us expected much when we downloaded the app, but little did we know, our entire lives were about to change. The first thing that caught my attention was her smile. There was something about the way her joy shined through the screen that felt different, like it was meant solely for me. Being the scaredy cat I can be at times, I was so nervous to send a message to initiate the conversation when she had swiped back indicating that she “liked” me, too. Within a few days of us swiping on one another, I received a message from Ashlen in my notifications. I was so nervous and anxious to open the message, but I told myself to not be rude and open it. When viewing the message, I didn’t realize I had just opened the first page of the most beautiful chapter of my life. From that very first conversation, everything felt easy. The words flowed naturally, like we had known each other all of our lives. We talked about the little things: our favorite foods, favorite music, our hobbies, etc. However, somewhere in between, we realized this wasn’t just another online chat. We were connecting on a deeper level. As I got to know Ashen, I quickly realized she was a woman of faith. A woman who truly knew and loves Jesus Christ. That was what instantly sealed it for me. I had always prayed for a partner who would not only walk through life with me, but also walk with me in faith. In her, I found both. Soon messages turned into Facetime calls, and those Facetime calls turned into long nights laughing until we couldn’t keep our eyes open. And then came the moment we finally met in person. We decided to meet halfway for our first ever date. We met in Ellicott City, MD. The entire drive to the date, I believe I was more nervous than when we initially met on our first Facetime call. However, in the back of my mind, I had nervous excitement wrapped in the certainty that this was right. When we locked eyes for the first time, it felt like I had just met my forever partner in life. From there, our story grew quickly, but naturally. Adventures, inside jokes, prayers, and dreams started weaving us closer together. Each moment reminded us that meeting on Facebook Dating was not an accident, it was perfect timing. Now, looking back, it’s amazing to think that what started as a swipe and a message has led us here: engaged, in love, and ready to spend forever together. Our story is proof that love finds you in the most unexpected ways, and when it does, you just know. I thank God every day for the moment He brought Ashlen into my life. What started on Facebook Dating has turned into a fairytale, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life writing the next chapters with Ashlen by my side.

Jackson’s Perspective 

The first time I met Jackson wasn’t exactly traditional, as we both met on Facebook dating. As skeptical as I was at first, and thought there was absolutely no way this could work, we were both about to be in for the surprise of a lifetime.A week or two of texting and calling back and forth, led Jackson to the point of making his first official FaceTime call to me on Valentine’s Day. I noticed quickly that he was a smooth talker, and quite easy on the eyes.From that first FaceTime call, Jackson has pursued and cherished me like no one else, the way it should be. He’s opened doors, gotten me a water when he got himself one, and has even helped bandage and clean up a burn I got from my steam mop of all things. He truly has a servants heart.My first official in-person date with Jackson started out like any other date, but little did I know, it would be the last first date I’d ever go on, and the second best decision I would ever make, aside from the commitment I made to follow Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.Walking up to Jackson that first date, the first thing I remember was the warmth he exuded, and the bright smile he gave me. I also noticed that, for a guy, he was an incredibly well dressed and had a great sense of style, which was something I was also excited about (tho not a necessity of course). His big glasses, flannel shirt, jeans, and sneakers said “manly with a touch of sophistication and a whole lot of smart,” which has held out to be very true in my opinion. I mean, the man has a masters degree, and he wants to work on his doctorate (so proud of him)!We had both chosen Ellicott City as our first date since it was in between both of us, and it felt like a great halfway spot. As the date got started, we found ourselves very much at ease, falling into a comfortableness and a deep friendship that both of us had been praying to find our whole lives, which ultimately led to us falling in love, and a mutual understanding of “me too’s.”While on the date, thru conversation we discovered that we both share a love for history, quaint little towns, delicious food, nature, a passion for our faith, our God, and doing what’s right. To sum it up, we both prefer the more simple things in life— our dogs, our family, and our friends. Everything else, we could take or leave.What Jackson couldn’t leave on that first date was me. He asked me to be his girlfriend that very first night. Some may call it crazy, but looking back, Jackson has told me he knew I was the one from that very first night.Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, which led to my first trip back home to meet his parents (David and Christine) and some of his friends (Chris and Ali) in NC, to us prayerfully pursuing becoming engaged, to going to our first wedding as an engaged couple, and to us finally becoming one on this very day. We are so glad you’re here to join us on this journey— whether it’s in support from afar thru prayer, or up close in person on the big day— we’re thankful for our community!In dating and becoming engaged to Jackson, I’ve discovered the beauty and gift of being human, and living the human experience. Tho there is nothing beautiful about the frailty and ugliness of sinful humanity, what is beautiful is our God, and how he redeems brokenness and turns ashes into beauty. Jackson and I will walk thru trials. We won’t always get it right. There will be occasional frustrations and friction. None of us are perfect, but we serve a perfect God and a risen Savior who uses the gift of marriage to redeem and refine us thru trials and triumphs, uses it to glorify himself in the end, and display a picture of what the gospel truly is.In Jackson, I’ve found “my dearest friend, my deepest love, and the very best of me.”~ Nicholas SparksTho this conversation is between Ruth and her mother in law Naomi, Jackson and I chose it as our theme verse. It’s also engraved on both of our rings. We pray this is modeled in our own marriage.“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.””‭‭Ruth‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Ashlen’s Perspective 

Our Story

Proposal Photos

Katrina is one of many of my dear, sweet cousins. Growing up, I made many wonderful memories with her over various summers when I and my family traveled down to Virginia to visit her, my Aunt Marlene, Uncle Joel, and the rest of my cousins. I fondly recall us take trips into town for ice cream at one of the best local spots in town- Kline’s Dairy Bar. Another vivid memory I have involves us staying up swapping late night giggles and stories with our shared cousin, Bethany, in our grandparents upstairs bedroom in Pennsylvania. We always referred to ourselves as the Three Musketeers (oh wait- maybe that was just me 😅😂) because we were in similar life stages growing up. The last memory I’ll take time to share is how I remember us staying up late at night having deeper theological discussions, as well as dreaming, thinking, and praying about the kind of husbands God might bless us with one day. I might be biased, but neither of us could ask for anything more. God did the best job and knew who was best for both of us. By the way- Katrina is still one of the number one people in my life that I can count on to tell me to be honest about how I’m REALLY doing. A final humble brag on my cousin- years back, she felt God calling her to the mission field to work in the Red Light district in Cambodia with victims of sex trafficking, and she received her Masters in the counseling field in 2024. I’m very proud of her! I have no doubt God will use her tender hearted soul to reach others for him.

Katrina Driver 

Miranda and I both attended the same church growing up as children, and on occasion if my parents went away for the weekend, or if they had to work, I remember days spent playing dress up, board and card games, going on bike rides, or having movie nights. One thing I admire about Miranda is her free spirit, her devotion to her husband, Ivan, and their son Clark. I admire her faithfulness and loyalty to Jesus Christ above all else. Anytime her faith has been tested and forged in the fire, it continues to blossom and grow stronger each time.

Miranda Stoltzfus 

I and Kara first met when I and my family started attending the church that her dad pastors. We quickly enjoyed having discussions surrounding theology and God’s word. We’ve shared a few late night hot tub talks solving the world’s problems, and what was my very first “fete en blanc” experience during a beautiful evening out with our mothers on a mother-daughter date, enjoying Charcuterie. Ironically, her dad’s name is “Joe,” and my dad’s name is “Joey.” Kara may not know this, but she truly lifts the mood anytime we’re together. She’s got the best smile that lights up a room, and her faith has remained strong despite various trials regarding the health of her two twin girls when they were first born. I admire her dedication to her family, and her love for the Lord.

Kara Lehman

Braelyn and I connected almost 5 years ago through our church. She’s always someone I can count on to listen with a sympathetic ear.  We haven’t lived a whole lot of life together, but I enjoyed the time we were able to spend a couple summers ago during one of my birthday weekend trips. She even came while pregnant, so kudos to her! Braelyn is tender hearted, strong in her faith, and a friend anyone would be blessed to have. I admire her devotion to her homemaking skills, and she’s always experimenting with something new, in hopes of better serving her family and community with a more wholistic lifestyle. 

Braelyn Burnham

Cambrya and I have shared many fun road trips, laughs, and tears over shared life experiences that have brought us together. Cambrya is goofy, light hearted, and tenacious. Simply put- she’s a fighter! We have lived so much life together, and have gotten to have so many shared experiences. We even share the privilege of getting married and engaged the same year! I’m thrilled for her and her future husband, and I wish them many years of happiness together.

Cambrya Lehigh

Chris and I met in college, in one of the most unusual places, the laundry room. Chris has been one of the most important people in my life. Through late-night laughs, countless adventures, and years of friendship, he’s always been someone I can count on! I was privileged to serve as his best man when he got married. It is crazy to think how standing next to a washer one night has now got us standing next to each other at the alter. 

Chris Hicks 

There are not enough words to describe how much it means to have my dad stand beside me as one of my groomsmen. He has been my best friend since the day I came into this world and has continued to pour his unconditional love and support into me each and every day.

From our endless laughter, to the moments where his quiet wisdom guided me forward, my dad has been a constant source of strength, comfort, and joy throughout my life. He’s shown me what it means to be steady, loyal, and full-hearted.

With my dad as a groomsman, I’m continuing a tradition in our family, one he began when he married my mom. Just as he stood proudly beside his father, I now have the honor of having him stand beside me. Sharing this moment with the man who helped shape who I am today is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

David Pickard

Marion and I go all the way back to our high school and college days. We both met through the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program and have not looked back since. I specifically remember when we spent a whole week in Washington, DC for an FFA leadership conference. That experience brought us even closer, and our friendship has only grown stronger ever since.

Marion Smith, Jr.

As an only child, I had always dreamed of having a brother, and marrying Ashlen gave me exactly that. From day one, Christian welcomed me into the family with open arms, and over time he’s become more than just Ashlen’s brother. He’s truly become my own. I couldn’t imagine this day without him standing by my side.

Christian Fuhrman

Aaron has and will always be my childhood best friend. We grew up together, from elementary through high school, playing baseball, running cross country, and even being inducted into the National Honor Society. We shared just about everything growing up, and one thing that’s never changed is our love for NC State. We’ll pull for the Pack any day of the week (Go Pack!). These days, whenever we get the chance to hang out, you can usually find us on the golf course or watching a Wolfpack game. Our friendship has stood the test of time, and I’m truly honored to have him standing by my side on this special day.

Aaron Norton

Wedding Party

This hotel is a good option that our out of town friends and family may want to consider. This is about 5 minutes from the ceremony location, but roughly 30 minutes from the reception location. When booking, please use the room block code. Please note that this is only for guests outside of Pennsylvania. Thanks!

Hotel Gettysburg

This hotel would be best for our guests who wish to have a closer accommodation to the reception venue.

Holdiay Inn Express Hanover By IHG

Travel

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Enjoy a meal at one of my (Ashlen’s) favorite restaurants in all of town, and take in the history of the Dobbin House. Dining at the Dobbin House includes an immersive experience where you’ll get to enjoy a hearty, scrumptious meal in the historic spring house tavern by candlelight. The cherry on top? Waitresses will serve you in period accurate dress from the 17/1800’s.

Ashlen and Jackson

Ashlen and Jackson

Travel

Hotel Gettysburg

Holdiay Inn Express Hanover By IHG