We’re getting married!

Bethany and Jonathan’s love story began as so many modern love stories do… with a swipe and a match on a dating app. But while their relationship shares a common beginning with many others, the rest has been uniquely theirs. At the time, Jonathan was living in Virginia Beach, attending law school, and Bethany was in southern Maryland, working for the Department of Defense. A pairing like that might make you assume these two are ultra-serious, type-A, career-driven people who live and breathe work. And to be fair they each kind of assumed that about the other. But they were both hiding a secret…neither of them is actually that serious. Jonathan is almost always dancing, shimmying, or otherwise engaging in some form of shenanigans—usually while trying to maximize relaxation (responsibly, of course). Bethany, meanwhile, is known for seizing every travel opportunity she can while being silly, adventurous, and not taking herself too seriously (despite juggling her weekday job in defense and a weekend gig as a party planner). Thankfully, they figured out pretty quickly that the other wasn’t what they seemed on the surface and that this thing might actually turn into something amazing and beautiful. And boy, were they right. Over the course of their relationship, Bethany and Jonathan have experienced a lot together. They’ve navigated the lows—like recovering from norovirus (romantic!), enduring multiple canceled flights, and grieving the loss of a loved one. But they’ve also celebrated the highs—Bethany accepting a new job, Jonathan graduating from law school, and traveling together to visit friends and family. Through it all, they’ve supported and celebrated one another with grace, humor, and love. On February 17, 2025, Jonathan proposed after a day full of perfect little moments: sipping coffee at not one but two French cafés, buying their first piece of art for their future home, enjoying a delicious dinner in Old Town Alexandria, and finally, the big moment where Jonathan popped the question in a Valentine’s-themed igloo filled with arguably too many desserts (which, according to Jonathan, were "required" with the reservation). Through every season of their relationship, their shared faith in God has been at the center guiding their path, anchoring their love, and reminding them that this journey is bigger than just the two of them. They believe that God brought them together with intention and purpose, and they are deeply thankful for His presence in every step of their story. Their time together has been a whirlwind of joy, laughter, road trips, and many hours spent driving to one another, and now they couldn’t be happier to become husband and wife. They’re so grateful to have each of you in their lives and for joining them to celebrate their union. They cannot wait to see you in Taneytown, MD this November and get this party started!