Thank you for visiting our wedding website—we’re so excited to share our special day with all of our favorite people! Our love story began in early 2023 in a way that only makes sense in today’s world—online! We matched on Upward, a Christian dating app, not knowing that a simple swipe would lead to the start of a life-changing journey. At the time, neither of us had much experience with online dating, but God had a beautiful plan in store. As we started talking, we were amazed by how much we had in common. Not only did we live just 20 minutes apart, but we also shared very similar Christian upbringings, strong family values, and even a unique connection: we both attended the same church camp years ago—without ever realizing it until much later! From the beginning, our conversations flowed naturally, filled with meaningful topics and shared faith. We met in person for the first time at a local restaurant—just a casual “first meet” (not quite a date!). We chose a local restaurant, Pancheros, where we sat and talked for hours. At one point, we even had to switch tables because the sun was beaming down on us—but the conversation never skipped a beat. By the time we realized how much time had passed, the restaurant had completely emptied. From that day on, it was clear that something special was happening. Less than a week later, we had our official first date in Atlantic City, where we saw Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania at the IMAX theater, grabbed pizza afterward, and walked around talking like we’d known each other for years. From the very beginning, communication became a cornerstone of our relationship. We both deeply believe that strong communication is key, and we wanted to build our relationship on that foundation. It helped us form a deep connection quickly and gave us the confidence to be open, honest, and intentional with each other from day one. Over the weeks and months that followed, our relationship continued to grow in a beautiful and purposeful way. We supported one another through life’s ups and downs and made it a point to build our foundation on faith. Together, we read a couples' devotional and 101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged, both of which helped us grow closer emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. One of the most meaningful discoveries during that time was realizing that we both share the same life verse: Philippians 4:13 — "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." On Easter Sunday (April 9, 2023), we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend—and from that point on, everything just felt right. We celebrated holidays together, met each other’s families, and shared everyday moments that made our bond even stronger. Before we knew it, we were celebrating our one-year anniversary and dreaming about the future. While we had talked about getting engaged sometime in late 2024, DJ had other plans. With the help of our amazing friends and family (who all managed to keep the secret!), he planned a surprise proposal at Washington Lake Park on March 10, 2024. Despite the chilly and windy weather, the day was absolutely perfect. Surrounded by loved ones, DJ got down on one knee—and of course, Courtney said YES! Now, the countdown to “I do” is officially on! We’re in full wedding planning mode—booking vendors, choosing colors, finalizing details—and most importantly, preparing our hearts for this next chapter of life together. We can’t wait to celebrate our wedding day with all of you who have loved, supported, and prayed for us along the way. Your presence in our lives means everything, and we’re so grateful to have you join us for this joyful occasion. We can't wait to see you on October 18, 2025 as we say “I do!” With love, DJ & Courtney