Our story begins in Virginia Beach while we were both serving on active duty in the Navy. One day at work, my boss (sister/friend- shoutout Diana) encouraged me to come to her Bible study community group. Thankfully, I decided to go — and when Diana first introduced me to Jay, I was so glad I did! After a few community group gatherings, Jay asked if I would like to grab coffee. That first coffee date turned into many more, and coffee has since become our favorite shared tradition. Like many military love stories, ours has been shaped by sacrifice and distance. We first dated through my deployment on the USNS COMFORT, then Jay’s many training trips, and eventually Jay’s deployment to Africa. We continue to navigate long distance while I complete my Orthodontic Residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Jay continues to serve on active duty in Virginia Beach. Through every mile, every deployment, and every season apart, our love has grown stronger. After so much time, patience, and faith, we are beyond excited to finally begin the next chapter together as husband and wife, building our own family together! We thank God for bringing us together with His intricate plan. We thank our families, who continue to show us the deepest love, support and generosity, and to whom we credit this entire weekend of celebration. We thank all of our extended family, friends, co-residents, Navy brothers and sisters, platoon-mates (and WAFS), Officers, and mentors. If you are reading this, you have shaped us. We feel incredibly blessed… and incredibly loved. 💙 We love you all! LeT's PaRtY!!