Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

When I met Jared, something about me was instantly drawn to him. He was funny and easy to talk to, an instant friend. Little did I know what would transpire over time, and that he would become my best friend. Little by little, the conversations got longer and more in-depth. We realized how aligned our goals and dreams truly were. And one thing leads to another. Soon, I couldn’t imagine not spending my free time with Jared, whether it be hanging out on the back patio or off on some adventure.Adventuring we did. One thing Jared has promised me is the world in more ways than one. One night, he sent me a song, "Ends of the Earth" by Lord Huron, and he promised to show me the world. Not only has he shown me the world, but he wakes up every day to give me the world, while also making me feel like his whole world. I never knew someone could give so much, so freely, and with so much heart.Jared’s heart is something I will forever cherish. He is the man I always dreamed of but never fully believed existed. He loves me fiercely and cares for me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. But what truly sealed the deal for me was seeing how he loves Addie. The kindness, patience, and genuine joy he brings into her life showed me precisely the kind of partner and father he is. Watching the two of them together made me fall in love with him all over again.And so here we are, building a life that feels both beautifully ordinary and extraordinary. A life filled with adventure and quiet moments, laughter on the back patio, dreams that keep expanding, and a love that keeps deepening. With Jared, I’ve found my partner, my best friend, and the person who feels like home in every season. I can’t wait for all that’s still ahead of us, for the memories we’ll make, the places we’ll go, and the family we’re continuing to grow together. This is just the beginning, and I’m so grateful it’s him.

Her Side: 

I knew Ashley from work for a few years before we began dating. My life was tumultuous and complex, and she was the respite from the storm. I didn't know if I would ever connect with someone on such a meaningful level, but she makes it easy to love her every single day.As Ashley said above, we were friends for a while before getting together. I cannot remember the exact moment I knew this was going to evolve into something more. It was a slow burn of group hangouts and similar interests before sparks started flying. Once we were in it, though, life has moved fast and furious, in a good way, of course. Conversations came easily, and our chemistry was undeniable. Her magnetic personality and sunny disposition made me want to be around her all the time. When she chose me, she picked a partner for life. She loves me deeply and fiercely, and I am always trying to match her energy, and in turn, I love her like I have been searching for her my entire life.Because I found her later in life, it feels like we have tried to cram a decade of memories into these couple of years. We have been on countless trips all over the United States and 10 countries while balancing grad school, jobs, househunting, pregnancy, and Addie. If I were to choose a partner, I would want them to share the same adventurous spirit I do, and Ashley did not disappoint. One of the perks of being with Ashley was getting to know her daughter, Addie. I love her and her curious nature. I had no kids previously, but I bonded with her in the only way I could: by introducing her to Star Wars. While it was the entry point to our relationship, I have been able to share my childhood memories with her as our bond has grown beyond sci-fi movies. I love her witty sense of spirit and her competitive nature. I could not have crafted a more perfect child to adopt me as a parent.I want to say that the three of us would live happily ever after, but that implies our story has been told. I think we are just getting started with our life together, and I am excited to see where the journey takes us.

His side: 

Our Story

"If you can navigate different cultures, languages, and unexpected challenges abroad, you've developed the adaptability to handle almost anything life throws at you"

This past summer, we spent a month exploring Europe while Jared studied abroad for his Ph.D. Just the two of us, a couple of suitcases, and no real agenda besides soaking up as much of the world as we could together. It was the kind of trip that shifts something inside you without you even noticing at first. Each place we visited added a new layer to our story.We watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle in Paris before heading off to Thessaloniki, where we spent most of our time. It's a city that somehow felt both new and strangely familiar, like we belonged there. We fell in love with the slow magic of Milos, the blue water, the herby breeze, the quiet mornings, the feeling that time moves differently there. We walked the old walls of Dubrovnik and wandered through Athens, where every street felt like it carried thousands of years of history.Every train ride, ferry trip, and late-night dinner felt like its own little adventure. Some days were filled with sightseeing; others were spent simply sitting together in a café or on a balcony, talking about everything and nothing. There was something about being so far from home, yet feeling completely at home together, that deepened our relationship in a way I didn't expect.It was a trip stitched together from small moments: shared meals, slow mornings, inside jokes, sunrises, and silly detours. Those moments became some of my favorite memories of us. And somewhere in the middle of Madrid and all that exploring, laughing, and wandering, we learned that our biggest adventure yet was already beginning.That summer in Europe will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

When you know, you know

Found at a little store in Greece, with a much larger story and a lot of history.

An antique jeweler in the heart of Thessaloniki, Dimiourgiko Vildiridis, had a cushion-cut diamond ring in the window. I wasn't exactly in the market for engagement rings, but this one was too good to pass up. I was looking to replicate the size and brilliance of a ring Ashley had on her left hand, and this one spoke to me. Ironically, we had been talking about rings earlier that day over lunch, and this one caught my eye. I thought, "This ring, in this place, with this trip, and this type of history," I might never have the opportunity again. Getting it through customs without blowing the secret was a whole other story.

We had no idea how much history one ring could hold. The ring features an antique cushion-cut stone set in a modern setting. The band resembles a piece of Yurman jewelry, which Ashley is a huge fan of. When we took the ring to the jeweler here in Gainesville for post-engagement adjustments, the jeweler looked excited and confused. He first asked where I got the ring, and then he told me the story behind it. I told him the Thessaloniki story, and he nodded. He stated that this ring was made in the late 1800s to the pre-1920s because the cuts were designed to be brilliant in low light, such as candlelight or sunsets. This diamond pre-dated electricity in homes and was cut to maximize natural light.This was then confirmed when one of our MBA students, who is a jeweler himself, reiterated the dates and claimed that this ring had seen some history. He said we had found some families' "fortune".Because it was purchased in Thessaloniki, it did not necessarily mean it was from Greece. This city sat strategically on the road connecting Western Europe to the Ottoman Empire, so the diamond endured geopolitical strife and ended up in this little shop. If only this ring could talk...

The Ring

Q + A

Travel

The sweetest surprise of all were the vows Jared wrote to Addie. 

To Addie:Addie, you are the fun bonus that came with your mom. I marvel at how far you've come sine I met you. From our first viewing of Star Wars to going to the gym together, you've found a way to bond with me. I've loved how our little family has evolved, and I'm so proud to watch you grow into a strong sarcastic tween. I love you, I choose you, and you will now forever be my daughter.

Jared & Ashley

Jared & Ashley

Registry

In lieu of gifts we would like to put money towards the adoption of Addie becoming a Rizzo so we can complete our little family. Additionally Mom and Dad plan to escape to a tropical island for a honeymoon at some point when life settles down a bit.... if ever! We appreciate your love and support.