Our story begins with...a dating app, how modern of us. We met on Hinge. Yes, we were both on several other dating apps at the time but Hinge happened to be how we "matched" when CJ made a comment about a coach we both had through our respective gyms. It also happened to be right around ODU beat Virginia Tech at football that first year and Amanda being an ODU alumni, couldn't let CJ live it down. Knowing how much CJ takes VT losses to heart, I'm surprised we kept talking! After about 2 weeks, we went on our first date at the Back Deck and later Chick's Oyster Bar and the rest is history. From dating to engagement and becoming parents to our sweet Emma, we owe it all to a dating app hence the hashtag #abandcjgethinged

Most of you know this story so bare with us. Originally we were supposed to take a mini "babymoon" trip to the mountains the weekend of February 12-14, 2021; however, mother nature and in true 2020/2021 fashion, had other plans and brought on a huge ice/snow storm making mountain travel, even in a new Ram 1500, unsafe. So the night before our trip, we cancelled (thanks to our host giving us a heads up) and decided on an impromptu trip to Richmond for a day. We left for Richmond on Friday the 12th. We made stops for lunch, attempted to visit some museums which were closed, hit up a local brewery (where at almost 6 months pregnant, Amanda enjoyed water or soda) and eventually checked in to the hotel before heading out for the evening. Before going to dinner, CJ found this beautiful park in Richmond that had a bridge crossing the entire James River, part of Brown's Island and the Canal Walk. It was covered in snow and truly beautiful. In true COVID fashion and because it was freezing, masks and all CJ got down on one knee and popped the question. Of course, Amanda said yes! We mask-kissed (Amanda cried) and spent the rest of the night celebrating another journey we were about to take together as parents and as a married couple.

Soo most of you know CJ and Amanda made the marriage official this year before baby Emma came by going to the court house. Nothing fancy and followed by some small gatherings with close friends and family to celebrate. The day before we planned to go to the courthouse we also found out Amanda was going to be induced Sunday, May 23. So everything kind of happened all at once. We went to the hospital sunday night and after 3 very very long and tiring days, Emma James was born on 5.26.21 at 10:08pm. With that being said, we still wanted to celebrate our marriage and love for each other so we decided to have our wedding exactly a year later from our marriage date. This way our baby girl can be a part of the big day and Amanda doesn’t have to be pregnant at the wedding! Cheers!