Q. Where did you both grow up?
Jessica grew up in Kansas City, KS; Jeff grew up in Potomac, MD.
Q. What are your chosen professions?
Jeff is a business analyst and Jessica is a Ph.D. student.
Q. How did you meet?
Jessica and Jeff met through Greek life in college in 2012. We started dating in August 2012.
Q. Tell me about the proposal?
Jeff surprised Jessica while she was on an academic trip to Chicago. He surprised her by having the whole family (both his and hers) to Chicago.
Q. What are a few places that are special to you? This could be a vacation, a local hiking spot, where you met, something you enjoy doing together locally, etc. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; just someplace you have made memories together.
Austin is a special place as it’s where we first met, where we ended our long-distance relationship for 3 years, and where we have since settled down (for now). We particularly like the Pfluger bridge on Lamar Blvd. We like doing yoga together and have a studio that we routinely go to which has become a nice routine for us. We also like certain restaurants around Austin (like Bouldin Creek Cafe, Lenoir). On trips, we have had lovely trips around the world: Israel, Spain, and Mexico come to mind.
Q. When you can do anything you want to do, what do you do? i.e. what are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your leisure time, what makes you happy when you are spending time together?
When the weather is nice out we love to take long walks with our dog in our neighborhood and wish we could live in houses we cannot afford. We take him to Zilker Park and Auditorium shores often. We are both active – – doing yoga, Jeff enjoys to run, and Jessica has proven to be very productive while on the elliptical. We like to cook. Jessica has a lot of schoolwork, but Jeff uses the time to read books and keep her company.
Q. What is your favorite music and/or songs that mean the most to you as a couple? Any special concerts you attended together? A playlist of sorts would be great! And any stories are great too!
Vance Joy – Riptide; Oh Wonder – Lose it; Leon Bridges; Tom Misch
Q. What are your favorite foods/restaurants? Are either of you into cooking at home?
Bouldin Creek Cafe, Veracruz Tacos (and Radio Coffee), (sometimes) Ramen Tatsuya, Loro, Matt’s El Rancho – – a lot of restaurants by South Lamar 😀
Q. Any kids or pets? Tell me about them!
Murphy! He is a King Charles Cavalier / Havanese mix. He is the boss of our household.
Q. What are each of your favorite drinks when you are celebrating? Craft beer, wines, cocktails, bubbly, or a mocktail?
All are fair game! Jessica tends to go with either wine or a vodka soda; Jeff drinks most things that are presented to him (but tries to keep drinks low-cal).
Q. What are your favorites drinks for Sunday mornings? Special herbal teas? Love a particular coffee? Bloody Marys?
We are big coffee drinkers. We buy a collection of beans and have a grinder to keep the beans fresh. We tend to enjoy Texas Pecan coffee but experiment often with new flavors.
A special thanks to the vendor team:
Venue: Four Seasons Austin
Planner: Betts & Co
Coordinator: Pearl Events Austin
Caterer: Four Seasons Austin
Cake: Four Seasons Austin
Florist: Stems Floral
Rentals: Whim Hospitality, Townsley Designs
Photobooth: Studio On Site
Music: Matchmaker Band
Hair/Makeup: Adore Salon