j + a

Avery and Joann’s journey began at GameStop, where they worked together and became close friends. For years, they saw each other as nothing more than coworkers and buddies—until life decided to rewrite their story. One night, Joann called Avery during a work crisis. Avery, slightly tipsy at the time, accidentally called her “baby.” Though he denies it to this day, their coworkers loved the story and never stopped teasing them about it. That lighthearted moment sparked something new between them, drawing them closer and helping them see how much they truly meant to each other. Their first date wasn’t even planned. Joann needed a ride to work and asked Avery to keep her company beforehand. What started as a simple favor turned into an impromptu day together. They grabbed Starbucks and watched It Follows—a scary movie so bad they still laugh about it to this day. Six years, and two dogs, into their relationship, they made a life-changing decision: to go back to school and earn their BSNs. Supporting each other through the challenges of nursing school deepened their bond even further. Then, on their 8th anniversary, Avery proposed, turning an already special day into one they would remember forever. Now, Avery and Joann both work as RNs—Joann in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Avery in a psychiatric unit. Every step of their journey has strengthened their love and friendship, and they couldn’t be more excited to begin this next chapter as husband and wife. What makes it even more special? Their wedding date, September 27, 2025, marks exactly 10.5 years since their story officially began on March 27—a perfect way to celebrate a decade (and a half) of love, laughter, and shared adventures.