2020 started with great excitement for the both of us, picking a date in the fall, finding a location to say our forever's and inviting you all to join us for a celebration of love and family. As we all know, shortly after details were finalized, a global pandemic reared its ugly head and made the following months a sometimes scary, lonely and questionable landscape to navigate. Because of the unknown of the months ahead, the undesirable separation due to quarantine & the realization we are more about placing the importance on the marriage than the wedding event itself - we decided to jump in with both feet & host a "drive-in" COVID restriction ceremony. We were so blessed by those of you who were able to join us for that lovely day in May. The dogwood where we said "I do" was in full bloom, dear friends offered their beautiful "Someday Farm" for the ceremony and the breeze blew the sweet smell of spring all around! Local friends and family sat in their cars, those who weren't local were able to join via Facebook Live and we promised forever to each other. We celebrated our first night as a couple with bbq and a small cake from a local GF baker. It was a lovely night for the two of us. BUT, one thing was clear - you were all missing from the party! We knew when we decided to get married earlier than planned & with no end in sight to COVID restrictions, that we wanted to still celebrate with our loved ones as soon as we could safely. With the advancement of multiple vaccines and our most vulnerable being currently in the vaccination process - & with the majority of Americans having access to it, if they choose, by this summer - we are thrilled to get a new weekend of dates on your calendar. We hope you will plan to join us the weekend of July 23 - 25 to celebrate the joy of our marriage. We will host a small family event on the evening of the 23rd & the 24th we will host a family fun day for all who can make it. Details will follow - & plans will continue to unfold!

I don't remember who reached out first - one of us liked the others online profile, then conversation via emails started. After a few weeks of correspondence, we decided to meet up for coffee at the local Starbucks. Our conversation flowed easily as we discussed music, politics, faith & even our enneagram numbers...our time together went so quickly, we almost didn't realize how late it had gotten. January is Robotics season in Mike's world, so he invited me back to the school to see the robot his students were working on for upcoming competitions. I had double booked that day, with a lunch date set up with my sister. But, I knew I wanted more time with this guy! So, I said sure! I will drive out to the school really quick & take a look. I sent Emily a text; her response: "If you are blowing me off for a guy, he better be worth it." I sure hoped he would be!! I told Emily later that afternoon, when we finally met up, that I had a good feeling about this one. He seemed great, but I wasn't going to get my hopes up. He asked me out again, and then again, and again. Each time we went out I was more and more interested in keeping this special man around. A few months later, he trusted me to meet his babies - two of the most precious little ladies I know. Our enjoyment of each other, learning new things about one another and growing in love and friendship has only continued with each passing day. I think it is safe to say, we both feel blessed to have the other! And, it sure was fun deleting that online dating profile! I found my forever!