2021 Keele Wedding. Let’s do this together!

Victoria and Grant were briefly introduced to each other in high school at a basketball game, but were too busy with friends and the game to notice a connection at that time. Four years later, they met again at OCC, a local community college. They shared a table in their History of American Music class, but did not feel their spark at that time either. Several years went by as each lived their separate lives with many highs and lows. Victoria and Grant would occasionally see each other at local community and church events, but it wasn't until they were both on their own again did they notice the spark. February 22, 2017, things started coming in motion. A yoga class held in the back of a video store and tanning facility was the perfect location for them to meet again. Victoria had been going to the sessions for a few weeks, but that night was Grant's first time. They briefly spoke at the end of class, but Grant was the one to make the first move later that evening. He contacted her through messenger, since their time after class was not long enough. They continued to talk frequently for several weeks, until they officially became a couple on April 7, 2017. It was unbelievable how well Grant and Victoria connected and how well each connected with family and friends. Their love for being active fueled many of their future activities. They completed their first sprint triathlon together in August 2017 and again in 2018, and finished their first Spartan sprint race together in October 2019. Grant and Victoria also joined a kickboxing class together soon after they became a couple; something they had both wanted to do for a while. To this day, they continue to attend the class and enjoy sparring with each other. Grant knew after their first date that Victoria was the one. Victoria felt their extraordinary bond soon to follow, and after seeing Grant and Kamden together, she knew they would make a great family some day.

Grant and Victoria went on their first vacation together to Destin, FL in August 2018. Even though both would have loved a week long getaway, they were only able to be away for a short extended weekend. They left on a Thursday and drove through the night to make it to Destin by dawn. After a quick power nap, both were ready to start this soon to be life changing day. Friday was full of sun, crystal clear water, and exploring. After kayaking out and spending most of their day at Crab Island, they ventured back to shore for much needed food. As the day was coming to an end, Grant decided they still had time to visit the white sandy beaches. Lucky for them, most families had turned in for the night, and the beach was left to just the two of them. Relaxing on the white sand, under the moonlight, while listening to the waves of the ocean was the perfect way to end their first day. However, Grant had one more surprise hidden in his pocket to add to this night. At 11:30pm, he leaned over to ask Victoria to spend the rest of their lives together. She said "YES", beginning their next big adventure. Grant and Victoria are excited to start this next chapter in their lives, and can't wait to celebrate with all of you in June!

2020, the year of a global pandemic...perfect time for a wedding! Due to state COVID-19 restrictions and the health and safety of all family and friends, Grant and Victoria made the hard decision to postpone their dream wedding and reception until 2021. However, knowing that tomorrow is never guaranteed, they decided to go forth with a small wedding ceremony at home with their closest family and friends. Grant and Victoria were very restricted on the number of people that could attend the little at home wedding. They chose to be married underneath the mimosa tree in their front yard by their close friend, David Rudy. However, in true 2020 fasion, things did not go quite according to plan. With multiple cancelations and continued COVID-19 restrictions, the days up to the wedding became foreshadowing to their big day. Victoria’s pregnant bridesmaid, Jessie Rudy, went into labor earlier than expected the week of the wedding. Thankfully, both mother and father were able to be present at the special time. David and Jessie were blessed with a beautiful baby boy. With both Victoria’s bridesmade and their offiant held in the hospital with their new child, Grant and Victoria decided to have a one of a kind virtually officiated ceremony. Grant’s son, Kamden, was the ring barer and also became the iPad (officiant) holder. Both Kamden and David did a great job, but due to multitasking, the rings were forgotten inside. In true Mom fashion, Brenda Streif was on it and did not let the ceremony be delayed too long! There was also a high chance of scattered thunderstorms that day, which luckily held off until right after the ceremony. Needless to say, Grant and Victoria’s 2020 wedding ceremony was very memorable. They loved every moment, both planned and unexpected. However, Grant and Victoria want to share their love with all of you once more at their 2021 vow renewal ceremony, and finally get to truly celebrate!