We're Getting Married!

Dear Friends and Family, We wanted to check in given the changing travel climate due to the coronavirus outbreak. Austria and Germany has reopened to US Citizens! At this time, our wedding is going forward as planned and we’re excited to spend time with all of you. If you are no longer able or feel uncomfortable traveling or attending, we understand. Please let us know as soon as possible—no later than August 1, 2021—so we can update our relevant vendors. We can be reached at beautyandthebanzhaf@gmail.com We will update you if the circumstances change and are looking forward to celebrating together. Love, Courtney and John

We met through a Meetup Group Courtney was running. She had scheduled an event to go kayaking on the Charles River. John was running late so he offered to buy me a drink and that drink turned into pizza and sharing a piece of pecan pie while debating if it is pronounced puh-Kahn or Pee-can. 6 years later, we still can't agree on the pronunciation.

We were on our first trip to Hawaii together and John had planned a surprise that day which we often do for each other on our date nights so I didn't think much of it. We arrived in Haleiwa at a dock and once we boarded the boat John had chartered for the morning, I found out we were swimming with the sharks and then snorkeling in the reef nearby. We had an amazing time swimming with the sharks and we even spotted a barracuda nearby! The reef was beautiful and full of turtles and beautiful fish. Once we finished snorkeling, we went on a little boat ride. The next thing I know John is talking about our next adventure and silly me thought he was talking about our next trip we would plan! Traveling is such a huge part of our relationship that I didn't give a second thought to what he said and even mentioned using positive space travel certificates I had received at my job! The next thing I know John got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes and grabbed the ring from the box before he had a chance to put it on my finger. The crew of boat congratulated us and gave us fresh leis. It was such a beautiful and unforgettable moment.