Celebrate our marriage with us!

Like many modern love stories, ours began on a dating app… though we were too embarrassed to admit it at first. So for a while we told friends and family that we met at a line dancing club (which is a real place we’ve both been to—just never at the same time). Eventually, we told the truth, but the “line dancing story” still makes us laugh. Our first date was an adventure in poor planning: we met for coffee, way too long before our movie started. What was supposed to be a short meetup turned into a marathon of caffeine, conversation, and eventually a film. Looking back, that “too long” first date set the tone for us—it showed that time together would always fly, no matter how much of it we had. Since then, our relationship has been defined by significant milestones that have shaped who we are: navigating COVID-19 together, surviving years of long-distance separation (two and a half to be exact!), and navigating pivotal life changes in Toledo, Ohio. Along the way, we both completed our undergraduate degrees, Clara began graduate school, and Jack entered and graduated from law school. Somehow, we always found ways to cheer each other on through the grind of work and study. The proposal was perfectly us: quiet, a little unconventional, and deeply meaningful. On Avila Beach in December 2023—the very same place we’ll say “I do”—Jack asked Clara to spend forever together. There was no ring, no photos, and for a while, no one knew but us. We weren’t ready for wedding planning yet, but we knew we were ready for a life together. A year later, Jack asked again, “for real,” still keeping the moment private and just ours. On March 7th, 2025, we made it official with a small, intimate ceremony surrounded only by our immediate family. We were ready to be married before another big move back to California, but couldn’t yet afford a large celebration. That day was the perfect way to honor the heart of our relationship: a foundation of genuine and deeply rooted love. Now, we’re thrilled to celebrate this next chapter with all of you, our wider community of family and friends. In 2026, we will finally get to celebrate big with all of our favorite people. As we look ahead, we’re excited to plant roots in San Bernardino—Jack building his career in law, Clara pursuing a career in public health—and maybe, at last, take a little time to rest, travel, and enjoy the fruits of all our hard work. Most of all, we’re grateful to finally celebrate this milestone surrounded by all of the people who’ve supported and loved us along the way. As we begin this new chapter, our hearts are full knowing we get to celebrate not only our love, but the family and friends who have carried us here. Thank you endlessly for surrounding us with your support, and we look forward to having all of you at our celebration on June 6th, 2026.