The long, cross-continental story of Caroline and John began in the backyard at a Fourth of July party with friends in the Summer of 2018. John and Caroline both woke up that day in their Manhattan apartments, not knowing that they’d soon be meeting their future spouses. John and Caroline were introduced upon arrival, and John instantly felt a spark. He felt it so much that after an hour or so, he finally worked up the (liquid) courage to spark a conversation with her. They were sitting on the ledge of the pool, feet in the water, and the two of them had never had an easier conversation with a stranger in their lives. They connected instantly, and little did they know that their story was just beginning. Fast forward 6 months or so into 2019. Caroline is still living in New York, enjoying city life with her friends. John was still living in New York as well, but he recently accepted a work assignment in London and was preparing for a big move. John was talking with his friend and groomsman Alec who was preparing to host a Super Bowl party. He said to John, “Remember Caro from the Fourth of July party? I think she is coming too.” Suffice to say, John was very excited, but also a bit nervous. He remembered Caroline had told him about a time she also worked in London, so his pick up line was all but written. The spark he felt at the Fourth of July party instantly returned when he saw Caroline at the Super Bowl party, so he knew he couldn’t let the opportunity pass. The game ends and John finally had his chance for a 1 on 1 conversation with Caroline. The conversation they had was yet another easy one; a lot of laughs, a little bit of football, and a little bit of London. John texted her the next day, invited her on a first date, and Caroline accepted. Back to the pick up line; “So I figured since you lived in London and I’m soon moving there, I thought we should go for a drink so you could give me some pointers.” Lame, but it worked.

Their first date was on a Tuesday night at a local bar in Manhattan called Stay Gold. They arrived at the exact same time and the night had officially begun. It was a great night, and John immediately knew that he would never go on a first date ever again. They made plans for a second date, then a third, then a fourth, and on it went. Even with an impending move to a different country, Caroline and John knew that what they had was special. John moved to London in April, and Caroline was his rock the entire way. She gave him advice, places to go, and supported him every single day. While being apart was difficult, they still made sure to see each other as much as possible. John would visit home, Caroline would visit London, and they would go on trips in Europe together as well. After a year in London and an impending pandemic, John moved back home in March 2020. They went through the pandemic together from New York, John’s new apartment in Connecticut, to Caroline’s hometown of Hudson, Ohio, and everywhere in between.

As the winter approached, they decided to look at moving to Stamford, Connecticut where John had been living through the pandemic. What Caroline didn’t know, was that John was preparing to ask Caroline to marry him. John spoke with his family, and they couldn’t have been more excited to welcome Caroline into the family. John asked Caroline’s father for his blessing in March 2021 and the plans were made. On June 5th, 2021, John had arranged a surprise picnic on the beach in nearby Greenwich, CT, with the help of bridesmaids Amber and Lauren, and groomsman Mike. Caroline thought they were going to a restaurant for brunch, so as soon as they pulled up to a picnic set up on the beach, she started to think what may be happening. John got on one knee and proposed, and Caroline said yes. It was the best moment of their lives. John had arranged for a surprise engagement party that afternoon, with the huge help of his parents. Caroline’s entire family was able to make the trip from Ohio and Washington DC to be there and John’s family was there. A few of Caroline and John’s closest friends were able to be there too. It was the perfect day and the start of many more good times ahead.

We are so excited and grateful to be able to share our special day with you all! We know that many of you are travelling from long distances, so we truly can’t thank you enough. Now let’s have some fun! #JBFoundHisKeyes