Loretta and J.P. matched on the Christian dating app Upward, and their connection was almost instant and filled with joy and laughter. Their shared love for DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon sparked their first conversation, and after a few phone calls, J.P. asked Loretta out for a coffee date. On April 5th, 2025, they met at Vintage Coffeehouse in Butler, PA for their first date. Unbeknownst to J.P., he chose the very table where Loretta often liked to sit whenever she visited. What began as a simple coffee outing turned into nearly four hours of shared stories, exchanged ideas, and playful, flirty banter before they finally said goodbye for the evening. Though the Lord gently drew their hearts closer in the weeks that followed, that afternoon marked the beginning of a love story written by His goodness and grace.

Loretta - It's all of the little things that I love about J.P. All of those small things feel so normal, it feels hard to boil it down to one little thing. He is so attentive to both myself and EVERYONE around us. He cares so deeply and genuinely shows that to everyone he encounters. He pays attention to the little details making me feel very loved even in the small things. He loves me so well that I can't put it into words. In loving me, he loves the people around me which I find so beautiful. He has such a genuine heart that you can't help but be drawn to him. J.P. - What is there not to love about Loretta?! She is the most kind-hearted and genuine person I know. When she walks into a room, it instantly lights up, and people are happier just to be around her. She draws others in effortlessly with her encouragement and her freely-given love. There’s a peace and stillness that she carries because of her deep love for Jesus, and it’s truly captivating. Loretta is a woman of virtue who fights the good fight, and she is altogether beautiful.

Who's the early bird? - Loretta Who's the night owl? - J.P. Who's more go-with-the-flow? Loretta Who's the planner? - J.P. Who's more competitive? - Loretta Who's more likely to talk to strangers? - J.P. Who's most likely to cry during a movie? - Loretta... and J.P. :)

Loretta - Sometime in February, J.P. and I were going to watch a show at the Benedum in Pittsburgh. We had a fun time getting all dressed up to go out to dinner and to then proceed to the show. There was a fluke with our tickets causing us to not be able to see the show, but we were able to make the most of it by heading to Grist House to share in some delicious sour ales. When we were walking back to the car, it being February and icy, J.P. slipped on an icy spot causing him to yelp the most ridiculous yelp I've ever heard from him. We were first in shock but then started laughing so hard that we both almost fell over. J.P. - Last July, Loretta and I were walking up to Rainbow Bridge on Grove City College’s campus. She asked me to find a stick and just said, “trust me.” I had NO idea what was happening, but I saw a stick that caught my interest and crossed Wolf Creek to get it. She then revealed we were going to race our sticks down the creek. When we threw them, they collided in mid-air and formed a cross… and never separated, even over rocks and rapids! I took it as a sign from the Lord. As I stood there in awe, Loretta was jokingly accusing me of sabotaging her stick and demanding a rematch. That was the moment I knew, without a doubt, I was looking at my future bride.

As a couple: Favorite coffee shop? - Collage Coffee!!!! Favorite cuisine? - Italian food Favorite dessert? - Tiramisu Favorite holiday? - Valentine's Day Loretta's Favorites - Hobby: Baking and Crocheting - Band: Sleeping at Last - Fact: When you shake your plants it can mimic the breeze outside - Animal: Otter - Movie: Les Misérables or How to Train Your Dragon J.P.'s Favorites - Hobby: Fly Fishing - Band: NIGHT TRAVELER - Fact: The sound of a stream/waterfall can reduce systolic blood pressure by about 10%. - Animal: Greenback Cutthroat Trout - Movie: Saving Private Ryan