Jason and Emily’s journey began in 2020 working for a summer camp. Originally they had both signed up for Camp Cobbossee - a boys sports and adventure camp - with Jason returning for his second year and Emily her first year. Now, we all know how the year 2020 went. Uncertainty was the norm, and it was difficult for everyone to adjust in this new world. One of the many changes that came as a result, was Cobbossee closing for the first time since 1903. Instead, the space was occupied by an all-girls Jewish Orthodox camp. We’ll leave that story for another time though. The moral of the story is that amidst all of the change and uncertainty, they found each other. Jason and Emily got to know each other while gardening, swimming in the lake, playing volleyball, cleaning bunks, and shoveling mulch.

Jason fell for Emily’s selfless heart, infectious positivity, cute laugh, and athleticism of course. Emily easily fell for the way Jason worked hard, supported those he cared about, and genuinely wanted people to be the best they could be. Plus he was good at volleyball, guitar, and making her laugh, so that’s a bonus!

The pair officially started dating on the 4th of July - talk about fireworks! After the whole summer together, reality set in and Jason went back to school in Tuscaloosa, and Emily stayed in Maine to finish her masters. Distance was a challenge, but worth it. 10 months later, they both returned to Camp Cobbossee (the real Cobbossee this time) with Em working at the waterfront, and Jbo moving into a Group Leader role. After yet another magical summer in Maine, Jason and Emily drove down the coast and moved into their first apartment together in Tuscaloosa for Jason’s senior year. Em quickly found work - in a director’s role - at the local YMCA while Jason was full into school and training for the Navy.

The following April, they took a trip down to Disney World & Melbourne Beach, FL.

At the end of the weekend (after forcing Emily to go on a walk with him) Jason proposed on the beach. She said yes, and it was the perfect beginning to the rest of their lives.

Back in Tuscaloosa, Jason graduated from UA and enlisted in the Navy. Emily moved back to Maine to be close to family while Jason was to be in training. That fall, after lots of thoughtful prayer, Jason and Emily decided to elope in San Diego. On October 4th, 2022 surrounded by all of Jason’s closest navy buddies (all with shaved heads) they were married. It was a beautiful day and they were both truly happy. Unfortunately, Em couldn’t stay forever, and soon had to fly back to Maine.

Fast-forward to March of 2023. Jason earned his Diver contract and is preparing to go to Chicago for selection. Em is in Maine working at Henry’s Bridal and as a substitute teacher. After a couple very difficult months, Jason passed selection and was selected to go to dive school in Panama City Beach, FL. Jason and Em found a beautiful little apartment just 5 min from the beach and were together again at last. Panama City was beautiful, and they both had a blast. Jason diving in the Gulf, and Emily spending time with Ollie at the beach and making art. Four months of sun and sand later, Jason graduated from dive school and received orders to Groton, CT. It was exactly what they hoped for. They made the drive up the coast (for a 4th time) and were once again back in New England. It is now November of 2023, and Em quickly found work as a swim coach, substitute teacher, and babysitter (one job isn’t enough for her). They settled into an apartment and Jason started his career as a Navy Diver, diving on submarines in the Thames River.

Lots of facetime calls, plane tickets, moves, and hand-written letters later, Emily and Jason have finally been able to take a breather and settle into a sense of normality. They are beyond grateful for all of the friends and family who have loved them and supported them through it all! Now let’s party!

J&E

Wedding Day