We're getting married!

We met in 2005 at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California — two Army classmates learning Persian Farsi. Between long days of classes, marksmanship training, and land navigation courses, we built a friendship that lasted. We laughed together between lessons, encouraged each other through the challenges, and created memories that stayed with us. Over the years, life took us in many directions, but the friendship never faded. What started as classmates turned into best friends, and—after twenty years—the longest of slow burns finally became the love story it was always meant to be. Now we’re ready to begin our greatest adventure yet: a lifetime together.

In July 2025, we traveled to California for Jessica’s cousin Amanda’s wedding in San Francisco. Since we were so close to Monterey, we couldn’t resist returning to the place where it all began: the Defense Language Institute. Walking through our old school building, visiting the stairwell where we used to spend countless hours talking between classes, and picking up matching DLI shirts at the Post Exchange brought back so many memories (and even some tears). Finally, we climbed onto the iconic Presidio Eagle Monument, the same spot where our class once posed in uniform for our graduation photo. As we sat overlooking Monterey Bay, Devin asked Jessica to hop down to the picnic table below. When she turned around, he was right behind her—dropping to one knee. Jessica blurted out “Ohhh nooo!” in surprise, but quickly laughed through tears and said “YES! YES!!!” Devin, trying to keep some composure, teased, “Can I even ask the question first?” He did, she said yes again, and the rest was history. We celebrated with dinner at a little restaurant on the water by Fisherman’s Wharf, toasting the moment with champagne as the sun set over Monterey Bay.

While some couples argue about chores or directions, we prefer to debate the important things — like whether “shower scrunchie” is a real term. Devin insists it is. Jessica insists it’s ridiculous. The disagreement has achieved legendary status in our home, proving that laughter really is the secret ingredient to lasting love (and that Jessica will never let Devin live it down).

Here are the final wedding links! Livestream Link: https://cinematicweddingslive.com/jessicaanddevin/ Digital Guestbook: https://my.guestpix.com/guest/access/131741/reDgjeTZ Zoom Reception: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72948378348