We meet like a lot of Millennials do - on Tinder in 2018. This was a time when both of us were not looking to settle down. After a few dates, we became social media friends and went on to date other people. Then one day in August 2019, after many life changes, we started texting more and eventually went out on a date. Which Val didn't realize was a date and Jesse didn't realize Val still liked him. Thankfully, their communication got better!

We spent most of 2020 like most of you, in quarantine. We fell in love over the year on Jesse's couch while watching movies and shows. Marriage was brought up many times and we both knew this was it. One summer night, while watching Bill & Ted Face the Music, we started talking about getting married. Val started making muffins and Jesse was left in such a good mood after the movie he decided he had to propose! He got down on one knee with his mother's ring and Val managed to say yes through a lot of tears. Thanks Bill & Ted!

We decided to elope on Tuesday, May 4th 2021 - which is also Star Wars Day - in Washington, DC. This will be a simple elopement just our vows, short and sweet under an hour. Please note, this will be a small gathering for invited guests since we will not know what Covid-19 restrictions will look like. We plan on saying our vows and shortly after heading to our honeymoon. Once it is safer for everyone to gather together we will have receptions in DC, California, and Florida to celebrate! Invitations to follow.

After a lot of stress, trying to plan a small wedding in a pandemic, and many other challenges we decided to cancel our wedding and elope! It was the best decision we made since deciding to get married! We were so overwhelmed with the support and love from our family and friends - we felt you there as we said our vows. Rev. Kiana took the train from Baltimore to make us legal and our two amazing photographer friends cleared their day to take photos of us. We can't wait to continue celebrating with you all when we can all be together and share all the fun details of our day! We love you all!