46 Responses to “Before our special day . . .”

1. Anonymous says:

   3:47 on 02/22
   Welcome to the military family. You will learn alot about being a Army wife. Beware of the wives that are trying to pry into your business and NEVER get have a friendship with someone who is unstable emotionally. I have been married to my husband for almost a year and he is currently deployed. It is really hard if your in a state where you don't have any family. So be strong and stay encouraged!!
2. Heather says:

   3:48 on 02/22
   Congratulations. My husband and I were married and young and we was stationed at Schofield Barracks when we got married as well. We have been married for 15 years now. It was wonderful seeing your story. Hang in their through the deployment and rely on the love and strength that brought you together as husband and wife.
   
   Jake loved your Integrity shirt. Dwid is my big brother. It makes me smile to see people who like his music.
   
   I wish you both a wonderful marriage. Hang in there love is worth it.
3. babygurl620 says:

   3:48 on 02/22
   jen i know how u feel my boyfriend is getting deployed in june for a year and a half i don't even want to think about it and i don't think im ready but he has to do it i can't stop him and the hard part is im only 16 but your show made me see that we aren't the only ones that hate haveing to live with deployment!! thanks
   JOCELYN 16, MAINE
4. Anonymous says:

   3:48 on 02/22
   I saw the show and am so happy for you guys. I wish you both the best.
5. Corin says:

   5:44 on 02/22
   Welcome to the wonderful world of the military wife. I also moved right after getting married. And I'm now in a place where I don't know very many people and I do miss my family - but I keep telling everyone "thank goodness I married my best friend or I would be lost." The first year might seem rough, but I'm sure you will both make it work. The miltary lifestyle is not for everyone - congratulations and get ready for the ride!!!!
6. Anonymous says:

   5:44 on 02/22
   Hi Jen, My name is Ashley and I didn't have the time to watch the show yet, but i plan on it. I watched the delted scenes and aftermath. Im sorta in the same situation as you. Im not married, but im dating a guy from the Army. He is in Iraq right now and it is very hard on me. I try to stay busy so i dont have to think about him and what he is doing so much. Be prepared to not here from very often. I also wanted to say that its normal to cry everynight.. i still do, it has been two months so far. We have only 7 more months to go. I hope he proposes to me when he gets back. I wish you the best! Just stay strong!
7. Marisa Cardenas says:

   5:44 on 02/22
   Hey there Jen!! Welcome to the life of a military wife. I will tell you now as you already know, it is hard. My husband and I were married on September 6, 2005 by the justice of the peace. No one was there, just the two of us. I left California the next day to go back home to Nebraska, where I am from. We are both young, he was 18 when we married, I was 20. Now here we are 18 months into it and we are just now for the last five months getting to experience what it's like for REAL. We never got that chance to experience married life right away, because we knew he was deploying 6 months later with the Marine Corps so I stayed home with my family. We were lucky as far as him coming home early ( he was gone for 7 months ). The time was stressful, as it always is, and you never know when you will hear from them which makes it harder. Please hang in there. I see how mad you get at him and it reminds me of how I can be. But you love eachother, so all of these things you will experience are just ripples in the water compared to the life you will live with him forever. Thank you for showing the TRUE side of what married life can be. It's not all flowers and daisies, smiles and laughter, though that is the most wonderful part about it. It's growing and learning from eachother. Just remember to never go to sleep or work mad. Work things out beforehand, and everything will be okay. Hang in there!!
   
   Marisa from California
8. Anonymous says:

   5:44 on 02/22
   I love this show. I think the episode with jenn and jake is probably my favorite episode. Its great. I think ya'll are a cuite couple and i think you guys are going to last.
9. Babialexa says:

   12:11 on 02/23
   Wow. Whenever I saw your story on MTV all I could think about was how much you
   reminded me of myself. My husband is also in the Army. I was 19 and he was 20
   when we got married about a year ago. He has yet to be deployed but you never
   know when they are going to be sent over. All we can do is prepare ourselves as
   much as possible and pray they come back safe.
10. Tippy2little says:

    3:01 on 02/23
    I am glad for the two of you. Remember put God first in all that you do. A couple that prays together stays together. Love each other unconditionally. Be fruitful and multiply
11. Kristen says:

    6:19 on 02/23
    Congrats! I wish you both the best of luck. I am a proud Army wife and am surviving my third deployment. Good luck and God bless! I know how difficult married, let alone miltary life can be and wish you both the best!
    
    Love from Ft Bragg!
12. Lizz says:

    6:19 on 02/23
    I, too, am an army wife! We got married by my best friend (she got ordained online) on a beach in California when I was 19 and my husband was 20. We are stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and we are facing a deployment in the fall, so I know what you are going through! Good luck!
13. Ashley says:

    12:35 on 02/26
    Hey jen.. I totally understand what you are going through. I got married in March of 06. My hubby is in the Air Force and we are stationed in California. I was 18 when we got married. He was deployed to Iraq 3 months after i moved to California. As of now, he is due back in June of 07. It was really hard for me at first, because im also far away from my family (im from MI). But get to know all the wife's that are in your husband squadron, and idk how the army is but the air force has spouses meetings and they are really helpful. I've gotten used to him being away and it doesn't hurt so bad. Anyways i wish you two the best and stay strong.
    Ashley 19, Vandenberg AFB, CA
14. Armywife24 says:

    12:35 on 02/26
    best of luck to the two of you. I myself am a military wife me and my husband have been married for 5 years.with my husband being in the Army I never experienced the typical marriage until my husbands first deployment was over,cuz My son was born in june of 03 he came home for 10 days leave from where he was stationed at the time and met his son 10 days after he was born and left for iraq 6 days later,So i totally understand how you feel hes been there twice and Afghanistan once now,so this lifestyle isnt for everyone but you both will gain more love for one another each time theres a trial of your love when he goes away.you two seem to really love eachother so you two are going to be just fine.best of luck on your family in the future as well children are wonderful I have two kids that I love with all my heart and adore. We are currently stationed in hawaii ourselves and will be here for the next 2 years. hang in there there will be hard times and easy times but its all worth it when you love eachother best of luck to you both.
    Kristen24 Hawaii
15. shina says:

    12:37 on 02/26
    i think this must've been the best episode ive seen yet. i almost cried at the part when you two were watching the news on "iraq-life in hell" . in my relationship we tend to argue a lot, but eventaully its all worth it and things will get better. good luck to both of you
16. Jessica says:

    3:30 on 02/26
    I just wanted to give you another encouraging word. I too married into the military world and have only been with my husband for half the time we have beeen in a relationship. When he went to Iraq, he actually came back more appreciative of me and America. It is a total different world and what they experience and deal with there helped him know that he needs to show his love every chance he has because he may not get another one. It actually helped us get closer when he got back. I have a good group of girls I hang out with in times like these, he is gone right now too. Just keep looking to the end of the tunnel!
17. Meagan Alexander says:

    12:07 on 02/27
    I loved your guys' wedding, it looked absolutely beautiful! I think it was the right thing for you guys to get married early because of the circumstances. I also want to thank Jake for what he is doing as far as Going to Iraq. I live in Hawaii and have for almost nine years. I'm a Navy Brat and love it! I have seen so many Soldiers from Schofield leave for Iraq and leave their families. My family and I actually watched alot of soldiers leave their families while we were visiting Texas. I didn't even know who they were and i was even sad. And after that, we found out that the plane we were on contained soldiers that were going to Iraq. And just a little pointer, when Jake get's back from Iraq, force him to go to therapy. Our best friend that went to Iraq didn't go to therapy when he got back and now it's really catching up to him. Anyways, I hope you and your seven kids have a wonderful life together. And, incase nobody told you, the married life is hard, but as long as you love eachother you will make it through.
    
    Meagan 14, Hawaii
18. loverofone68w says:

    12:16 on 02/27
    congratulations to you both I loved your wedding!! My husband just returned from Iraq in November and we found out last Friday he is on orders for June to go back. Keep your head up and stay strong and know that your husband loves you-- don't let anyone bring you down! We were married young too, we were both 18!! NOW 4 years later at 22, we still learn new things about each other everday-- but we have spent 2 yrs apart too. That is great that you are focusing on Nursing while he is gone, I am going to school too! Stay happy alwayS!
    
    Rebecca, 22
19. Anonymous says:

    4:01 on 02/27
    My husband has been in Afghanistan for a year now and he was due to come home in Jan...then two days before his return they told him he has another four months over there. He never received R&R so I haven't seen him in over a year. The one piece of advice that I give you is no matter how hard things get try not to argue or fight while he is away. The last thing you need is your husband leaving to go out on a mission mad and upset worrying about you. It's hard, but in the end it's all worth it. I've heard from so many people that when they come home from being gone for so long that reunion is better than your wedding day. That is kind of hard to fathom, but just knowing your husband is no longer in danger is a wonderful feeling. Good luck and keep yourself busy!
20. Amanda Pitman says:

    4:01 on 02/27
    Congrats!! My husband and I were married three month ago! Being married is a wonderful thing. He is in the Military just like Jake!! I have only got to see him for a week since we have been married!! I dont blame you not wanting to talk about him going to the sandbox!! Its brought up a lot with us too!! I hate talkin about it!! Hang in there!! NEVER GO TO BED MAD AT EACH OTHER!!
21. alabama says:

    10:07 on 02/28
    I just wanted to say congrats and you guys hang in there. You'd be suprised how time apaprt will make ya'll appreciate the time you have together more! I have confidence in ya'll and I wish you nothing but the best and may God be with ALL the soldiers overseas and their familes back home!
22. MarineWife says:

    10:07 on 02/28
    aww ok this show was the closest to my heart. i married a Marine and just a few months after we were married he deployed. now its just a matter of days until he returns. you can do it!! i promise there will be days you want to give up, or days all you do is cry, but you can make it threw anything. just remember love really knows no distance and whereever he is and wherever you are, your hearts are always together.
23. Mrs. Vega says:

    1:23 on 03/01
    Congrats! This episode really hit close to him, I cried seeing you two living your everyday lives in Hawaii.
    I know how hard being a Military Wife is. We were together since we were 14, and we are now both 18. It's a huge transition to go from being boyfriend and girlfriend in the regular world to be husband and wife in the Army. Like it or not, no one knows what it is to be "us" unless they're been there. I'm more than happy to be married, my husband and my marriage is worth it all, even though I just saw him ONE week after getting married.
    
    Good luck, from the bottom of my heart.
24. shelly says:

    1:37 on 03/01
    hey , i just saw your episode! you guys are so cute.. jen i have some advise for u! my husband was severly injured in iraq! i almost lost him on 12-9-05. hes doing great now.. but my advise to u is.. dont read the paper or the news you will only make your self sick and worry. just live everyday wishing for the best! Steves first tour over there i watched the news everyday and made my self sick with worry.. his second time out i just lived my life no news internet clips or the paper, i didnt make it worse for myself, i just hoped for the best! and i still got that phone call,, it hurt just as much! just always be loving and support him,, when hes out there even if your dying inside be strong for him! if you need to vent call a friend he needs to be completly focused on whats going on out there and getting home to u safe! good luck guys ! love shelly
25. semperfiohana says:

    1:42 on 03/01
    Hey Jenn!! I already see that you are making sure that you enjoy your time together that you have now...which is awesome!! My husband is in the military as well and we were married for three months before he left for boot camp and then was gone from jan-july. We are back together as of now, but he is getting deployed at the beginning of April. But I just wanted to reach out there and throw my name at ya, in case you ever wanted to talk.
26. Anonymous says:

    2:03 on 03/02
    Im so so happy for u guys! You guys are a perfect couple! I know your marrige will last no matter what anyone else says. Hope you had fun on the cruise!
27. Anonymous says:

    2:03 on 03/02
    Congrats and welcome to the military wife life. I am married and my husband just came home from a year deployment in Iraq. Keep your prayers up and stay true to the vows you took. Alot of Army wives have given us good ones a bad name. Stay strong and volunteer it will help pass the time. God bless you and all ofour soldiers.
28. Anonymous says:

    2:07 on 03/02
    Seeing you guys on the show has been a really big inspiration for me. Me (19) and my husband (21) have barely gotten to spend anytime together since we have been married because of his deployment. And expecting our first baby in April makes things so much harder. so knowing that other people out there are dealing with the same thing is a huge comfort for me. Thank you!
29. Gracie says:

    12:33 on 03/05
    Hey Jen,
    
    I know exactly how you feel.My Fiance is in the Army and is suppost to be deplyoing in July for a year. I'm in kinda in the same situation you were in. I have to plan the wedding while he's away. AND I'm underage. I'm only 17 (we're getting married after I graduate) The day I saw your episode, my fiance was leaving because he was home on pass for 3 days. I saw how you and jake were, and I couldn't help but to cry my eyes out. I really wish you and Jake the best of luck, and hold strong when Jake deploys, youre not alone.much love.
30. Anonymous says:

    11:31 on 03/06
    Jen you are beautiful and funny jake is so lucky to have you as a wife you guys were my favorite couple
31. Anonymous says:

    6:59 on 03/06
    I saw the show...this is probably my favorite, since it hits kinda close to home. My fiance and I have already gone through one deployment with the Marine Corps. We were planning to get married this coming July, but we just found out he's deploying to Iraq again, supposedly in June. So,its looking like we'll be moving the date again. Anyways, I understand the not wanting to talk about it all the time...its hard thing to deal with, but like the other girls have said stay away from CNN and all that. it doesn't help any. it just made me worry more and more. Congrats on the wedding. It was beautiful. Best of luck to you. You can get through this...hopefully we all will!
32. Anonymous says:

    11:55 on 03/08
    my husband and I are stationed at fort lewis washington..He is currently deployed and I stayed here instead of going home..Its hard to be away from you familiar territory but I think it was the best choice I ever made and iam glad to hear you r doing it too.. Its hard and you think your never gonna get through it sometimes but it will actually fly for you and your husband you'll see....My advise is to keep as busy as possible...I am 19 as well and this whole experience had been the best thing for me and my husband i learned to be more indepedent and he will have a great accomplishment under his belt when he gets back in June....Keep your head up and things will be well for you two...You guys are a adorable couple by the way
33. half my heart is in iraq says:

    11:58 on 03/12
    hey jen, i just want to let you know that its onkly hard in the beginnging. my fiance now had been in iraq for a month and i talk to him almost every day. just take the time now to do as much a you can with each other. and never take each other for granted. you are a cute couple. just take time to smell the roses. this road is very bumpy but we have to be proud of what they are doing! be strong...
34. Dana says:

    11:58 on 03/12
    I just watched your show, Some advice is that at some point your gonna have to talk about this deployment. Me and my husband are married mil to mil both of us deployed at seperate locations right now as we speak. The more u prolong that talk the harder it's gonna be when the day finally comes. hopefully u 2 wll remain a strong couple and will be able to face the time when it comes. In all honesty it's pretty easy if u have the right mindset..good luck!!!
35. sweetkristy730 says:

    10:22 on 03/13
    I have to say that you guys are probably my favorite couple on the show so far. Congratulations!
36. Candice says:

    10:23 on 03/15
    Jen-
    I was at work today, and watched the show. I also saw that you guys live in Hawaii. I also live in Hawaii, and my husband is in the Marine Corps. If you ever want another girl to hang out with we should!! I know how military wifes can be. I'm also going to school right now tring to get my BSN.
37. Ingrid says:

    10:31 on 03/15
    i'm married to an infantryman as well we are getting stationed in schofield barracks january next year. he just came home from afghanistan after only being married for 1 month. it's hard. now he's gonna go to iraq in november. :sigh: hope all is well
38. Dena says:

    10:41 on 03/20
    Jen! It's Dena from John Carroll! I was in Italy when you had your Bachelorette party in Cleveland. I was so upset that I missed it. I just wanted to say that all of us at John Carroll love you and we watch every episode at least 5 times. You looked BEAUTIFUL! We miss you and can't wait for you to come back and party with us! Congratulations on your marriage and good luck with everything! Call Sammie soon so we can all talk! <3 Dena
39. Stephanie says:

    10:13 on 03/28
    Jen, welcome to the military family. My husband and I have been married for three years and have went throw to deployments. Some things that I have learned during the deployments is to always let him know that you support him and you are proud of everything that he is doing. And letting him know that no matter you are going to be there for him. This help my husband alot during his deployments. Yes, it is hard but I think that, for us, the deployments have made us closer to each other because you see how things would be with the other.
40. Anonymous says:

    12:29 on 04/02
    Jen.. You are a better person then me. I don't know what I would do if my husband was in the army (or any servie for that matter). I would be a wreck. You're a good girl.. and thank you Jake for all you do. Stay safe and know you are loved and thanked everyday.
    C.
41. sarah says:

    11:01 on 04/04
    hi jen congrats on ur marriage. i was watching the show with my boyfriend and i was like i know them. come to find out we went to the same scool. north royalton right? anyways hang in there
42. Anonymous says:

    11:01 on 04/04
    hey jen and jake
    
    i saww your wedding and i thought it was amazing and hope one day to have a wedding like your and jenn you are really brave considering jake's in the military but love kept you guys together...
    
    congrations
    
    love
    bronwyn
43. Christina says:

    2:07 on 04/24
    hey Jen I know how if feels to be a military wife and live far away from family and friends...My hubby's unit is currently deployed and We have two kids, its really stressful at the time..Hopefully you get this and if you need a friend i will be here for you, and we are station in Hawaii till next year so if you need someone, just email me and we can chat
44. Anonymous says:

    10:14 on 06/14
    Hey I need advice. My Fiance proposed to me on Jan 21, 2007. Im 17 and hes 19 we were originally going to get married on june 21 2008 but were scared. He is jamaican and im asian, my family is very traditional and some are racist.. We know that if we get married we will have no support from my side of the family. What should I do? do you think we will be financially ready? =(
45. brittany-M says:

    10:17 on 06/14
    Iam 17 with a 7 month old child..His daddy is in texas and has asked us to come their and when i turn 18 we are planning to get married..Its pretty scary.Iam pretty much going against my parents wishes.I dont really know what to do! iam going crazy here with out the love of my life.
46. Shanelle says:

    6:15 on 07/02
    You guys are way to cute. Im sure it going to be hard, like i said before my boyfriends brother is in the Air Force and although he's going to be fine because he works on satelites and such for them, it was just hard to say goodbye to him when he left back for Japan, he came back to Florida for like 3 weeks and then left again. I hope everything works out. You both are strong and you guys will get through it
47. cleveland wedding flowers says:

    4:50 on 09/15
    cleveland wedding flowers...
    
    Good ideas in the post but I think there are much better ways.....