On September 26th, 2019, we met at the Old Goat in Kalamzoo, MI for food and to shoot pool. We were both pretty nervous about it. We got food and talked for a while. Then we moved over to the pool table, continuing to talk and laugh. Krystal thought Josh was quite the gentleman and that he was funny and sweet as well. After Josh lost a couple rounds of pool (and won one) and the food had been finished, we sat and talked for a bit longer. We were both smiling. Krystal could tell things were going well and was hoping that Josh would ask her on a second date. Shortly after she thought this, Josh asked Krystal "Is this going well, cause I can't tell?" After getting a yes he then followed up with "Can I ask you on a second date?" Krystal responded to this with "You definitely can" with a huge grin on her face. Later that evening once Krystal had made it home they texted and set up their second date for the Western Michigan University vs. Central Michigan Univeristy "battle for the cannon" football game.
We were making a gingerbread house together as a Christmas themed date night in. After we'd finished and cleaned up the table and kitchen a bit, Josh looked across the table, held Krystal's hands and asked her to marry him and she said yes.
In February, Krystal interviewed for and was offered a job at Duke Health Technology Solutions. As a couple we discussed and decided that this was a great career opportunity for her and Krystal accepted the position. With that being decided, Krystal and Josh also decided that they wanted to officially be married before Krystal moved down to North Carolina for her job. So on February 28, 2020 in Kalamazoo, MI in the presence of God, parents, and select members of the bridal party, Krystal and Josh said "I do". Josh will be moving down to be with Krystal. The couple still wants to celebrate and share their wedding vows in front of all of their family and friends, so they are still planning a wedding ceremony and reception in September.
Trying to plan a wedding during a pandemic can be absolutely crazy making. We have been separated by distance ever since Krystal moved down to North Carolina other than a short visit Krystal got to take to Michigan around Mother's Day due to Josh having been on standby orders with the Army National Guard. He's due to finally move down to North Carolina before Memorial Day. Please read our below plans regarding the wedding celebration in September: At this point we are all set to continue with the ceremony and reception in Michigan come September as long as the govenor opens up mass gatherings to permit a MINIMUM of 50 people. This plan will require a cut to the guestlist and will be done with care. If that is not the case we'll keep an eye on things and either reschedule to November like our original "in case the Army messes with our plans" plan or to our official one year wedding anniversary of February 28, 2021. If you have questions please reach out to either the Krystal or Josh.