The Meadowlands at the DCA

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Hop & Vine Taproom

After Party

To Our Guests:We are so excited to have you join us as we celebrate this special chapter in our lives. Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to share all the love, laughter, and memories with you on our big day.

Our Wedding

It all began in health class during our junior year of high school. What started as a simple class project quickly turned into something much more, and by the start of our senior year, we were officially a couple—and soon inseparable.	As we finished high school, we took a leap together and chose Loyola University Chicago, starting a brand-new chapter in a new city. Those four years were unforgettable. We grew not only as individuals, but as a couple—exploring the city, making memories, and learning what it truly means to support one another.After graduation, life brought new jobs, travels, and unexpected challenges that tested us in different ways. But through it all, we always had each other. We learned that love isn’t just about the joyful moments, but about standing by one another through life’s ups and downs.	Seven and a half years after we first met, Jackson created another unforgettable memory along the stunning coast of California when he proposed. Surrounded by breathtaking views and the love we’ve built over the years, it was the easiest “yes.”	Now, as we step into this next chapter, we’re so excited for everything ahead—a new life, a new home, and a love that continues to grow stronger with each passing year.Here’s to forever. ❤️

The Story of Sophie and Jackson

Our Story

Photos from the proposal in Carmel, CA., and our engagement photoshoot in Nantucket, MA.

let's take a walk down memory lane

Photos

Bridal Party

Elyse Cowles

Ella Stalowir

Future Sister-in-Law to the Bride and Groom

Samantha Sobbell

Daelin Ruetz

Elyse Schutjer 

Francesca Ljubic

Grooms Party

Winston Stalowir

Wesley Turner

Devin Walls

Leo Whitmore

Michael Ogren

Cooper Hawley

Wedding Party

If there's anything we haven't covered or you're wondering about, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We’re so excited to celebrate with you, and are happy to help with anything you need!

Q + A

Traveling to Connecticut

For our guests who need to travel by plane, the three major NY / NJ airports - LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark - will offer the most flight options.&nbsp;After landing, the drive to Connecticut takes approximately an hour (depending on traffic).&nbsp; There are two smaller regional airports that may also offer flight options:&nbsp;New Haven's Tweed Airport and Westchester Airport in White Plains, NY.&nbsp;

Where to Stay

Stamford, CT. is the town adjacent to where we will be getting married and is about fifteen minutes from our Darien wedding venue. It features a wide variety of dining options, shopping, and nightlife, all within walking distance of the hotels. Stamford is about one hour from New York, and the nearby station has trains running regularly to the city. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Stamford. To get the discounted rate, rooms must be reserved before May 20, 2026, and may be accessed by the link below.

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Stamford:<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1761593927983&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink&amp;dtt=true&amp;_branch_match_id=477597234127089699&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWkpJiW1JUWmqWmaKraG5maGppbGlkbmlhbFadmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKtCYvPT4pKL88uLUIlvnjKL83FQA7KnlRWkAAAA=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sophie &amp; Jackson's Wedding: Hotel Room Block</a> Other Stamford Hotels to Consider:Residence Inn by Marriott Stamford Downtown: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/stfrd-residence-inn-stamford-downtown/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Residence Inn Stamford Downtown</a>The Lloyd Stamford, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hpnstup-the-lloyd-stamford/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the-lloyd-stamford</a> Hotels in Norwalk, CT. (about 20 minutes from the wedding venue)The Watershed Norwalk: <a href="https://thewatershednorwalk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Watershed</a>Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orqnwgi-hilton-garden-inn-norwalk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk</a>

If you prefer to stay in an Airbnb, that's fine too! Stamford, CT, should have the best options for Airbnb/Vrbo.

Travel + Hotels

Visit New York City

We are fortunate to be so close to NYC! There is an endless supply of activities in the Big Apple…Museums, shopping, live music, Broadway theatre, Central Park, The High Line, Little Island, Rockefeller Center/ Top of the Rock, One World Trade Center, every type of cuisine you could ask for …and so much more. NYC is only an hour away by train from the Darien and Stamford area. Metro-North trains from either the Stamford or South Norwalk train stations offer service to and from Grand Central Station at all hours of the day.

Museums, Hiking Trails, and Outdoor Fun

There is a lot you can see and do in Connecticut! Here are a few different suggestions: Stamford Museum and Nature Center &nbsp;<a href="http://www.stamfordmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.stamfordmuseum.org</a> The Glass House, National Trust for Historic Preservation, New Canaan&nbsp;<a href="https://theglasshouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Glass House</a> Grace Farms, New Canaan&nbsp;<a href="https://gracefarms.org/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grace Farms</a> Waveny House and Park, New Canaan&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wavenyhouseevents.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wavenyhouseevents.com/</a> Greenwich Audubon Center &nbsp;<a href="https://www.audubon.org/greenwich" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.audubon.org/greenwich</a> Bruce Museum, Greenwich &nbsp;<a href="https://brucemuseum.org/about-the-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://brucemuseum.org/about-the-museum/</a> The Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a> The Adventure Park at the Discovery Center, Bridgeport. – Test your skill and your nerves at this high ropes and zipline adventure course&nbsp;<a href="http://www.myadventurepark.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.myadventurepark.com</a> Sea Kayak Connecticut, Westport – Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals for excursions along coastal waters<a href="https://www.seakayakct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.seakayakct.com/</a>&nbsp;

Shopping

For great shopping and New England flavor, these charming downtowns offer abundant shopping options, as well as delicious spots to grab a bite to eat and coffee shops to refuel. New Cannan, CT – head to Elm Street&nbsp; Greenwich, CT – Greenwich Avenue Westport, CT. – Main Street and Boston Post Road If you prefer a mall setting, try the SoNo Collection in Norwalk.&nbsp;An upscale mall with Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom, as well as many of the major national chain stores.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesonocollection.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thesonocollection.com/en/</a>

Golfing

Interested in playing a few rounds of golf while you're visiting Connecticut? Here is a list of public golf courses: Sterling Farm Golf Course, Stamford, CT<a href="https://www.sterlingfarmsgc.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sterlingfarmsgc.com</a> Longshore Club Park, Westport, CT<a href="https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/parks-and-recreation/longshore-club-park/longshore-golf-course " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/parks-and-recreation/longshore-club-park/longshore-golf-course </a> Whitney Farms Golf Course, Monroe,&nbsp;CT<a href="https://www.whitneyfarmsgc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.whitneyfarmsgc.com/</a> H. Smith Richardson Golf Course, Fairfield, CT &nbsp;<a href="https://hsrgolf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hsrgolf.com/</a> Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course, Fairfield, CT &nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairchildwheelergolf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.fairchildwheelergolf.com/</a>

Feel free to reach out to the bride/groom as well as our moms, Courtney Cowles and Laura Baytos, if you have any questions about things to do in CT/NY.&nbsp;

Things to Do

Registry

Wedding Welcome Party

More to come about the wedding welcome party on June 19!

Wedding Ceremony: 4:00 PMPlease plan to arrive early—seating will begin 30 minutes before the ceremony, so everyone can be settled before we say “I do.” Cocktail Hour: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PMJoin us after the ceremony for a relaxed cocktail hour with drinks, light bites, and time to mingle with family and friends. Reception: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PMThe celebration continues with dinner, dancing, and plenty of fun as we kick off the festivities together. After Party: 10:30 PM – 1:30 AMWe’re not done yet! We’ll be keeping the party going and hope you’ll join us for the after-party at Hop and Vine Taproom for more drinks, music, and late-night fun.

Farewell Breakfast

Sunday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Join us for a relaxed “Farewell Breakfast” at Divina Restaurant, located in the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. We hope you can stop by for a final send-off and a chance to wrap up the wedding weekend together.

Sophie & Jackson

Sophie & Jackson

Wedding Party

Bridal Party

Grooms Party