We’re getting married!

In February of 2019, Cole and Alexa met for the first time at JMU’s X-Labs during a 24 hour hack-a-thon. They were put on this team together by none other than groomsman Luke. Alexa and Cole got to know each other during this event and by the second day were whispering jokes to each other during the judging. Their team didn’t win and when the hack-a-thon ended Alexa and Cole went their separate ways with no idea of what was to come. Fast forward to over a month later and Cole and Alexa happened to run into each other (with bridesmaids Anna and Olivia observing from afar). It was there on campus that they reconnected and later Cole asked Alexa to be his date for his upcoming formal. The day of the formal came and a very nervous Alexa texted her friend Maddie, who would also be there, for help with what to wear. Maddie helped with the outfit choice and reassured her it would be a fun time. Bridesmaid and roommate at the time Olivia helped Alexa get ready for the night by doing her hair and makeup. The night of the formal they danced and had so much fun with groomsman Zack and his now fiancée Maddie. After that night, the two became inseparable for the remainder of Alexa’s senior year. Alexa knew Cole was special when he had just left after a date but came right back over when bridesmaid Lindsey and friend Kaitlin asked to meet him. Lindsey and Kaitlin loved him the moment they met him. This was a pivotal moment because it reinforced what Alexa was beginning to learn: that Cole was (and still is!) a fun and amazing person. They started dating and would end up doing long-distance when Alexa moved to Northern VA after graduation. They made it work from Milwaukee and Harrisonburg and VA Beach through lots of FaceTime dates, phone calls, and weekend visits. The long-distance lasted until April of 2021, when Cole moved to Northern VA and they got their first apartment along with Alexa’s cat Dipper. Since then, they have enjoyed living in Northern VA near friends, got engaged, and got a very large puppy named Barry. ________ We are so thankful for all of the friends and family that have supported us from day one. We are especially thankful for all of the JMU friends that were a part of getting us together and were there for our big moments. Luke, Zack, Maddie, Anna, Olivia, Lindsey, and Kaitlin get a special shout out for the roles they played in our story. They have impacted our lives in the most beautiful way. Looking back now, we both realize the instant connection we had when we first met in 2019, whispering jokes and trying to hold in our laughter sitting on the floor of the X-Labs. Even though we didn’t win that hack-a-thon, we got the prize of a lifetime out of it.