Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Jackson Lelle and Emily Barnett met on September 18, 2021, while traveling from Cookeville to Knoxville to attend a football game between Tennessee Tech and the University of Tennessee. At the time, Emily was a sophomore, and Jax was a senior. The pair immediately bonded over a shared love of VeggieTales, the Muppets, Chili's, and many other things and were as thick as thieves before leaving the city limits. When the group arrived in Knoxville for the game, there was already a deep-rooted connection, and other group members immediately predicted that Jax and Emily were destined to be together.

The Adventure Begins

After the football game, the pair went their separate ways, and they did not see each other in person for a whole month. When they reconnected at a concert on Tech’s campus, the spark that was present at their initial meeting reignited. They then started to spend more time together in person, continuing to grow their relationship. In late October of 2021, anyone who was in the same room as Jax and Emily knew that they had true feelings for each other. Everyone, that is, except for Jax. After a Halloween event, Emily told Jax that she wanted to “go get an extra Xbox controller and play Lego Star Wars together”. Not catching on to the obvious signals, Jax happily started playing the game with her, when the conversation eventually landed on relationships. Jax then said to Emily, “I am the kind of person who can’t tell if a person likes me or not… I need them to be painfully obvious with me”. With this newfound knowledge of his obliviousness, Emily decided that this was the time to confess her feelings for him. Feeling relieved, Jax told her that the feelings were mutual, and the couple soon became official.

Finding Each Other (Again)

Over the past four years, Jax and Emily have experienced the highest mountains and the lowest valleys. However, through it all, they have been together. They believe that God brought them together and has been writing their story from the beginning. Life has had a multitude of adventures for these Adventure Buddies, and it has given them a bond stronger than steel. The next big adventure is one that they take together. At their wedding, the two will become one, and they want to thank you all for supporting them as they have journeyed to this point and for witnessing the love they share for one another. Together, Emily and Jax know that they can face anything and come out on the other side stronger and closer together.

Their Never-Ending Story

Our Great Adventure 

Photos

The Groomsmen

Ryan Baker is Jax's longest and closest friend. The two met almost 15 years ago and have been inseparable ever since. During life's toughest moments and its most joyous celebrations, Ryan and Jax have been together for it. More like brothers than friends, it would take ten websites to fill out how much Ryan means to Jax. 

Ryan Baker

Daniel and Jax met in middle school through a church conference and have only grown closer over time. When Jax's dorm hall caught fire in 2019, Daniel immediately offered to take him in and ensure that he had a safe, warm place to stay. The bond that the two have continues to grow stronger every day, and Daniel continues to be a solid foundation in Jax's life. 

Daniel Augustus

Todd quickly became a close friend of Jax after they met in college at Tennessee Tech. Although neither one fully remembers how they met or became friends, there is no denying that they share an unbreakable bond. Todd is the kind of friend that you pray for and are thankful when they come into your life. 

Todd Beasley

Sam and Jax met through the UCSC as part of the same Discipleship Group. Throughout the 3 years they have been friends, Sam has helped Jax grow spiritually and discover why he believes what he believes.  Sam has been steadfast in his friendship with Jax and has been instrumental in him becoming the man he is today. 

Sam Hunter

Although a younger friendship than the others, the bond between Max and Jax is strong. Their shared love of (or frustration with) the Nashville Predators brings them together, and the two have built a solid relationship that has infinite potential. Jax is incredibly thankful for Max and his friendship, and is excited to see what the coming years have in store. 

Max Johnson

Jax and Aaron have been friends since 2020 when they met on their way to a camping trip with UCSC. Over the years, the pair have bonded over their choices in music, theatre, and video games.  Arron has been influential in Jax's spiritual growth as the two led Discipleship Groups for two years together. Aaron was actually present when Jax and Emily first met saying, "I know they're going to be together."

Aaron Ramsey

The Bridesmaids

Emily and Mallory have been friends for over 15 years since they were both 10 years old. They've done everything together over the years, from easter egg hunts as kids, youth camps at the church, talent shows, musical theater, color guard, prom, and so much more! They have had their ups and downs but have always been there for each other. Mallory is loyal, hard working, adventurous, and Emily is so thankful to have her as her Maid of Honor.

Mallory Pirtle

Sarah and Emily have known each other since middle school when Sarah and her family starting going to the same church that Emily and her family attended. Their friendship grew throughout the rest of middle and high school. Once they started going to college together, they became very close. Sarah was always down for late night Cook Out milkshake runs and games at the University Christian Student Center (UCSC). Sarah shines God’s love everywhere she goes and is always an encouragement to Emily.

Sarah Cooke 

Emily and Rebekah have been friends since freshman year of college when they met outside of their dorm buildings in the fall semester. Over the next four years, they continued to spend time together going to the Delight Ministry, different bookstores around Cookeville, and more! Rebekah is kind, thoughtful, fun, and a friend that Emily is always thankful for.

Rebekah Garber

Emily and Julia met their freshman year of college outside their dorm buildings at the beginning of the fall semester. Over the next four years, they grew closer through their business classes together and coffee dates, among other things! Julia is fun, adventurous, a lover of all things outdoors, and a great friend to have!

Julia Sedgwick

Jaimee has been one of Emily’s best friends since their sophomore year of college. They met through their Discipleship Group (D-Group) at the UCSC and steadily grew as friends over the next two years. By senior year, they were roommates and D-Group leaders together! Jaimee is kind, thoughtful, understanding, strong, funny, creative, and a friend anyone would be lucky to have. 

Jaimee Smith

Emily and Erica have been friends since their freshman year of college. They met through the UCSC and bonded over many things, especially their mutual love of singing. Over the years, they became very close and were in a D-Group together their senior year. Erica is smart, thoughtful, unique, creative, funny, and a great person to have in your life!

Jackson & Emily

Jackson & Emily

Q + A

Where is the Wedding?

Is parking available for the wedding?

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