Courtney and Ian met on Bumble, chatted several weeks via text, and had their first date at the Lighthouse on Solomons. By their third date at Tiki, both knew they’d found something they wanted to pursue. Courtney met Ian’s family 6 months later at his cousin Jeremy and Katie’s wedding in Baltimore. Inspired by the open bar, she informed Ian’s mom “I’m going to marry the f**k out of your son!” Thankfully, this notion made Judy beam. Courtney, Bayleigh, and Cousteau moved into Ian and Henry’s house July 2024. The fur babies quickly bonded and the humans grew closer. By Christmas, Ian asked permission to restore and resize Courtney’s great-grandmother’s engagement ring for “when the time comes.” Ian proposed to Courtney on their second anniversary trip in front of the “LOVE” chairs on Chincoteague Island. After much thought and discussion, they decided they wanted an intimate ceremony and a huge, crazy party later to celebrate with friends and family. Fortuitously, a notoriously fun holiday fell on a Saturday this year :)