Connect How did your love story begin?

They met on an app while Jake was visiting his brother in LA 7 years ago. Jon was wearing a Zelda ring, Jake’s favorite video game. They went out to eat and Jon said it was too bright at the table, so Jake reached up and unscrewed the lightbulb. The waitress backed away slowly. They then went to an arcade, sat by the beach, & then Jon dropped Jake off at the airport at 4:30am for his flight back to Seattle. Jake slept on the cold, hard floor until security opened at 6.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

There are so many favorite memories. Just a few months into the relationship, Jake convinced Jon to hike up an active volcano with him in the rapidly melting snow. Jake thought we might get hungry, so he made Jon carry 5 pounds of apples up to the summit in his bag. They then hiked all the way back down the mountain and never even touched the apples, lol.

What would you do with $20,000?

It would go towards Jake’s mental health counseling degree so he can better support individuals who may be in crisis. Jake & Jon both know what it feels like to be judged, shamed, and alone because of who they are. With this degree, Jake can help others who are experiencing this. The couple could not be prouder of who they are now. They are also getting married this year! So they’d put some money toward celebrating their love with family and friends from across the US!