We're Getting Married!

Our story starts the same way that all good stories do – in a Jimmy John’s sub shop. Both of us looking to make some extra cash and gain some “adult responsibilities”, Morgan and I got jobs at the local Jimmy John’s the summer before our senior year of high school. Both of us were dedicated to school, sports, and friends, so we typically worked JJ’s shifts only a few times a week and for irregular hours, not crossing paths much. However, as senior year went on and eventually rolled into summer, we started to pick up more shifts and saw each other more often. Slowly, an (ever so slightly flirtatious) friendship formed. We would chat about college aspirations, high school best moments, and compete over who would be the “Bread/Mayo Master” for the day (we can also recall stealing some of JJ’s patented bread together for a brief mid-shift snack). I’ve even been told that Morgan developed something of a crush on me, trying to impress me when we worked the same shift. Unfortunately, at this point, the story slows down for a bit. We both moved away for our freshman year of college, and I even had a different girlfriend at the time. Our first semester came and went, and Morgan and I had no communication. When Christmas break came, however, we were both looking to pick up a few shifts. I don’t recall much from that time, but I do remember being particularly happy to see Morgan for a few days in a row again. As the break dwindled down and we knew we were working our last shift together, when Morgan clocked out, I sealed the deal – I gave her a hug and said, “It was so great to see you! Have a great semester!” I hate to say it, but I definitely knew what I was doing – Morgan loved it! Our next semester was a bit different. We went back to our colleges, got settled in for a few months, and then a few small hiccups occurred. First, my previous girlfriend broke up with me. Also, there was an itsy bitsy, teensy-weensy global pandemic. Mid-lecture on March 11th, 2020, all of our classes got called off for the week, and we were sent home due to COVID-19. Stuck in my house with nothing to do, on March 16th, I was scrolling through Snapchat, and lo and behold, a simple notification popped up – “It is Morgan Aho’s birthday today! Wish her a happy birthday?” Thankfully, I sent her a Snapchat and wished her a happy birthday. From that point on and throughout the summer, we would Snapchat every day. We caught up, got to know each other in more detail, and would even spend nights staying up texting until sunrise (no joke!). As the summer before our sophomore year wound down, Morgan asked me out on a date (yes, she asked me – pretty lame on my part). I said yes and was excited to see her, but to be honest, I wasn’t really looking for a relationship. However, from that first fateful date at CJ Barrymore’s, I realized something: “This girl is incredible, and I would be a fool not to pursue her!” So, that’s what I did. A few months and a handful of dates went by, and I asked her to be my girlfriend on August 23rd, 2020. I haven’t looked back since. Morgan and I have embarked on a long-distance relationship for over four years. Countless dates, hikes, cross-state trips, laughs, study sessions, Bible studies, tears, arguments, and makeups later, here we are. We have pushed through thick and thin together – long distance, two incredibly intense college programs, and working to honor our relationships with family and friends. And most importantly, while being together, we have found our way into being authentic followers of Jesus Christ. We have grown tremendously in our relationship with the Lord, leading each other in faith through different seasons of life, and constantly working toward calling each other to the hope He has in store for us. We are now ready to start the next chapter – a Christ-centered marriage, rooted in Genesis 2:23-25. Thank you for your support and for checking out our story! Cheers to 05/25/25!