We're getting married!

Our story began with a simple swipe on Hinge and a conversation that quickly stood out from the rest. After a little convincing, Joel talked Victoria into meeting him at a carnival for their first date. Not exactly her usual setting, but from the very beginning, Joel was already finding ways to gently pull her out of her comfort zone. Between the lights, the music, and just the right amount of chaos, that first date became the start of something neither of us expected. What began as a leap of faith quickly turned into the beginning of everything. From the start, our personalities balanced each other perfectly. Victoria is passionate, driven, and full of life; outgoing, vibrant, and a little eccentric in the way that makes life more beautiful and fun. At the same time, she is a true homebody who loves comfort, meaningful details, and creating beauty in everyday life. She thrives on structure, routine, creativity, and intention, always finding joy in learning, the arts, and making even ordinary moments feel special. Joel is grounded, loyal, and endlessly supportive. He has an easygoing, laid-back nature that brings a sense of calm and balance to every situation. Along with his love for golf, fitness, and the outdoors, Joel’s steady presence perfectly complements Victoria’s energetic personality. While Victoria naturally moves through life at full speed, Joel has a way of slowing things down and reminding her to appreciate the moment. Together, we have built a life that blends structure with spontaneity, comfort with adventure, and ambition with balance. Joel continually encourages Victoria to step outside her comfort zone, whether through traveling, trying new experiences, or convincing her to stay in a treehouse in Vermont during one of his Spartan Races. With no running water or electricity, the experience felt like a personal challenge for Victoria, yet somehow became one of our most unforgettable memories. In return, Victoria brings warmth, creativity, and intention into the life we share together. From creating meaningful traditions to building shared passions like fitness and prioritizing quality time together, we continue to grow both individually and as a couple. At the heart of it all is our deep love for our families, who have shaped us into the people we are today. We are incredibly grateful for their love, support, and guidance, and we are so excited to bring our families together as we begin this next chapter. With God at the center of our relationship, we look forward to building a life grounded in faith, love, and purpose; one filled with both quiet moments and meaningful celebrations. And then there is Scarlett, our beloved English bulldog, who quickly became the heart of our little family. Equal parts stubborn and lovable, she keeps us laughing and reminds us daily to slow down and enjoy the moment. Through every adventure, challenge, and milestone, we have built a relationship rooted in love, respect, and unwavering support. What began at a carnival has grown into a life filled with laughter, growth, and a deep appreciation for both the quiet moments and the extraordinary ones. At exactly midnight on New Year’s Eve, as one year turned into the next, Joel proposed, marking the beginning of our next chapter and the start of a lifetime together. We are so excited for all the chapters still to come and cannot wait to celebrate this next season of life surrounded by the people we love most. Forever starts here. Joel & Victoria