Jon and Alex first met through a mutual friend at Towson University. Despite being delayed multiple times due to snow, they eventually had their first date over at Jon's apartment where they hung out for far longer than anyone expected (Alex's roommates even texted her to make sure she was OK). Jon cooked some pasta for Alex (probably a sign of things to come) and Domino's pizza and the Oscars even got involved. Things progressed through Jon's senior year at Towson while he was serving as Editor of The Towerlight, the student newspaper on Towson's campus, and as Alex prepared to begin grad school. Four years, a lot of dates to Verde (our favorite restaurant in Baltimore), grad school classes, job changes, and more, later, Jon decided it was time to ask Alex to spend the rest of their lives together.

Jon purchased the ring back in April with the help of his now-groomswoman Wendy from Smyth Jewelers. The ring is white gold with a diamond halo, inside which sits a diamond that was once in his Grandma Norma's engagement ring. Then, just one day after Alex stood next to her cousin Victoria on the altar, Jon asked her to take a walk through Patterson Park to "meet up with my mom for dinner." The initial plan fell through due to rain as he got a text from a community manager saying the Pagoda wouldn't be open that day. Thankfully he had purchased some umbrellas earlier that week to still make the walk possible. With the help of some excellent sneaking by their wedding photographer — and Jon's college friend — Sarah, Jon surprised Alex with a proposal right in front of the steps of the Pagoda in Patterson Park, just feet from the house they share in Baltimore and on the same walking path where they took many walks together. The rest of the day included more photos, some ice cream and a lot of happy tears.

Unfortunately, our original plan for a large celebration had to be put on hold due to COVID-19. However, Jon and Alex were still married on Oct. 24, 2020 at an intimate ceremony in Laurel, Maryland. We appreciate everyone who helped us plan that event on short notice and those of you who celebrated with us safely!

The originally planned wedding at Hunt Valley Country Club is planned for Oct. 23. We hope to see everyone there for a vow renewal ceremony and the party we wish we could have had in 2020!