May of 2016

It was our first official day on summer crew at JH Ranch, we were put on the same training team and were off to do low ropes together. At this point, we had all introduced ourselves, but there were a lot of us. So the first memory we have of one another was standing on top of a makeshift trust fall (aka, a tree trunk).

(Ashley) My first impression of him was initially, this guy is a 'bama boy through and through, mostly judging from the outfit he was wearing. Haha But as he shared what he was trusting the Lord with, his tender heart showed right through.

(Jackson) My first impression was, this girl seems like a cheerleader.

[I must have been extra cheery that day? -Ashley]

We were friends from the beginning and it wasn't until late July, almost August that we shared we liked each other. Jackson shared first, then I told him a little later. We finished out the summer as friends. Jackson went back to Auburn while I moved to Lynchburg for the first time. We took a month to make sure it wasn't just camp that made us like each other, and that we were okay with long distance.

August 2016

Jackson met Mrs. Kidd for the first time. I had only told her that he was a very sweet friend but that he was kind of special.

September 3rd, 2016

I visited Jackson and met his family for the first time and he asked to officially start dating! I said yes.

Summer of 2017

This is when our next transition took place. We began talking about our next step, and really began praying into it. (Side note: Jackson says he's known since before we were dating that I was the one. Which I love.) By the end of the summer, we were both sure of it and Jackson told his family, and sneakily asked my mom for permission to marry me during her visit to JH.

Then, he did just enough but not too much to convince me that he wouldn't be proposing until thanksgiving/Christmas time. Little did I know, he already had the ring stashed back in Dothan. He somewhat subtly had me come spend fall break with him and his family.

October 6th, 2017

Jackson brought me down to the beach where he got down on one knee, said he chose me, that he loves me, that he believes that God has blessed our relationship and asked if I would marry him. I cried more than I ever envisioned I would, and said YES!

So now, we are anticipating July 7th when we get to say "I do," celebrate with loved ones and start our lives off as the Dennises.

Cheers!