WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!

Our story began at a local coffee shop. Where we were both somewhat new to being back in the Grand Rapids area, and decided to get back out into the dating scene. Having not met before the first date, Carly was almost certain she had been catfished looking at the only guy sitting alone, being very old, yet looking oddly similar to Joe. And Joe was confused when he walked in a few minutes late to see who later found out was Carly sitting with another guy (a good friend of hers). Nonetheless, the quick one hour first date was filled with sharing our love for travel, passion for our careers, favorite local spots, and Joe giving Carly directions on how to get back to her parents home across state (like she’d never been there before). There were plenty of laughs and we both left with an excitement and feeling that this was something special. The second date (which was on Carly’s birthday, Joe only found out after persistently asking when it was, while on the date) lasted for over 5 hours, leaving her late to her own birthday dinner with friends (some of the bridesmaids could attest to this), and that’s when Carly (and everyone there) knew Joe wasn’t just an ordinary guy. From there, our dates continued, our adventures began, and the many camping trips, walks to local spots, hikes on Lake Michigan, runs around the local lake, along with a trip to Europe filled our days together. Joe ended up moving in with Carly in early 2020 (yes, right before the shutdown in a very small, awkwardly shaped, one bedroom apartment) and that’s when it was solidified, that what we had was truly so special. We then moved into a place of our own, hosting our annual chili cook offs, front porch fires, continued our love for traveling and adventures, and adopted the most amazing rescue pup, Nora.

If anyone knows Joe, they know his love for planning and adventure. Little did Carly know, Joe had this idea planned a year before it took place. On Carly’s birthday, Joe wrote a little note in her birthday card, letting her know a surprise camping trip was ahead. Weeks later, we went out to celebrate, what Carly thought was drinks for passing her NCE (her big State Licensing Exam), but Joe had wanted to celebrate for another reason. The next morning, as Carly was getting ready for the trip, she walked out into the living room to find Joe and Nora gone (a good type of gone for those Montgomery Gentry fans) and a note on the front door. This note ended up being a clue that Carly had to decipher, and a picture from one of their favorite memories. The clues and pictures continued throughout town, leading her to Muskegon. Carly was solo on this scavenger hunt, as Joe was checking in often, and adding some fun detours along the way. Eventually, the hunt led to the last clue where Joe met Carly and eventually popped the question, on the top of a sand dune, overlooking part of Lake Michigan. It truly could not have been a more special day! And now we are so excited to start our next adventure, as husband and wife. We cannot wait to celebrate with you all on our wedding day!