Jake and Kelsey have a pretty simple love story, but if you’re interested in hearing all of the details about the day they officially met, keep on reading!

Jake and Kelsey went to the same high school together, however they didn't really know much about each other during that time. They knew OF each other, but they never spoke to one another, let alone had any classes together.

High school passed… college passed... life was passing them by on their own terms. They saw each other here and there sometimes at a local bar in Kelsey's hometown, but still, nothing had sparked between the two of them. At least just yet…

Fast forward to almost a decade out of high school later - in the Summer of 2018, Kelsey was going through a pretty traumatic experience in her life. At that time, Kelsey’s sister Kristy happened to be engaged to (her now husband) Andrew, who happens to be one of Jake’s best friends (who is also one of Jake’s Groomsmen in the wedding, of course). Kristy and Andrew decided it would be nice to take Kelsey for a fun night out despite the troubling season she was going through.

Kelsey will never forget the date; it was July 21, 2018. At the last minute, Andrew decided to ask Jake to join them out for dinner that night. Kelsey was excited to go out to dinner with her sister, future brother-in-law and a potential new friend. Regardless of not knowing Jake super well, she was excited to go out and get to know someone new(ish).

* Sidebar - For some reason, Kelsey gets super nervous when she meets new people and Jake was someone who naturally always intimidated her in high-school, even though she didn’t know Jake on a personal level at all. She only really knew him as this good-looking athletic guy from school who seemed like he was “all that and a bag of chips.” ;)

Anyways - Andrew, Kristy and Kelsey went to pick up Jake at his apartment in Boonton, NJ. Once they got to his apartment, Jake got into the car and greeted everyone, but specifically greeted and addressed Kelsey by asking, “What’s up, Kels?!” He said it so enthusiastically and friendly; almost like the tone of voice you’d greet someone in when you are super close with them.

Kelsey didn’t realize he’d greet her so personally and with such excitement (it’s like he was already excited to see her or something)! She was caught off guard by this direct gesture to HER. With her voice quivering nervously, she quickly and quite literally responded to his question by saying “GOOD!” - (...WHO THE HECK SAYS “GOOD” to someone asking “WHAT'S UP”)?!

She was pretty embarrassed when she realized how silly she sounded by responding that way. She nervously chuckled because it was the most awkward response to have given, but they both laughed it off and the overall interaction between them was super light-hearted and genuine. She didn’t feel judged by him, even though she slightly embarrassed herself.

They ended up going to The Windlass in Lake Hopatcong and the car ride there was super fun, energetic and an all around great time. It was almost like they knew each other for years. The 4 of them had an awesome dinner together that night and then proceeded to go out all night having a great time out on the town; it was probably the most fun night Kelsey had in a very long time.

After that night, Kelsey intuitively knew it was the kick-start to a solid new friendship. They basically hung-out the rest of that summer after they met that night and got to know each other really well. Over the summer, their friendship really flourished; it was the kind of friendship that never had any judgement, was always respectful of one another and was always ready to have fun! It really was the perfect alliance between the two of them.

They always joke around that Kristy and Andrew *secretly* set them up. It was one of those stories where it was the right person, just at the wrong time... until it was the PERFECT time. Soon enough, their friendship naturally evolved into a more romantic relationship and 2 years later in August of 2020, Jake proposed to Kelsey at The Windlass, once again, where they met for the first time.

Everything came full circle for them and they are the happiest they have ever been in their relationship and they are SO EXCITED to get to spend the rest of their lives together <3

K&J

Our Wedding Day

The Refinery