Where there’s a Wilkes, there’s a way.

Some love stories start with grand gestures, but Aja & Kris's began with a simple conversation one afternoon 4 years ago. They met on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, when Kris asked to sit and talk with Aja, curious about her journey in the Marine Corps. What started as a casual conversation turned into weeks of genuine conversations, laughter, and chemistry. But life had its own plans—Aja was preparing to move away. She was packing one night for her cross-country journey, and Kris, the gentleman he is, made sure every last item fit snugly into her car, a quiet act of kindness that would later mean so much more. Even with miles between them, they never lost touch. Calls turned into visits, and visits into something deeper. Through long-distance travels between Monterey, California, and North Carolina, their friendship grew into love. Eventually, fate (and the Marine Corps) brought them back together, stationing them in Maryland, which they now call home. Now, they’re ready to start the next adventure—becoming The Wilkes Family—and they can’t wait to celebrate with all of you!