The Love Story

Question

So how did you meet?

Answer

We met in May 2022 in Stevens Point at the wedding of Garet and Hope Meyer. Garet had been Joseph's youth leader in Stevens Point...and Yessenia's youth leader in Green Bay. Crazy, huh? As we sat across the table from one another, we began to talk about all the things. Joseph was the most genuine man I had ever met and, by the time dessert rolled around, I was the best baker he had ever met (I baked for the wedding LOL). This was a recipe for romance! It wasn't until after the wedding that we had gotten a hold of each other’s socials and exchanged numbers. Being over an hour away from each other, Stevens Point to Green Bay, we simply began talking until it was time to start hanging out in person. So the day before I was headed off on a mission trip to Peru, Joseph drove to Green Bay and we spent eight wonderful and fun hours together - eating, going on rides, and playing mini-golf. We decided we wanted to keep “hanging-out” after I got back and so we did, for about three months.

Question

A long-distance romance.

Answer

After three months of getting to know each other, and a week before I left for MBI (Moody Bible Institute) in Chicago, we decided we wanted to officially date. And so our long-distance relationship began. This was a stretch for us as we not only learned about each other, but learned how to do long distance in the process. It was a messy business, but along the way, we decided it was worth it. We inched closer to saying “I love you” and after many long train/bus rides for me, and car rides for him, we were ready.

Question

And where did it go from there?

Answer

As school dragged on for me and work for him, a 1-year long ministry internship in the UK was upon the horizon. By the grace and goodness of God, I was able to join Joseph in coming to the UK. We both had a passion for missions, and I was in school for that very thing, so it made sense, and God opened all the doors. Just before leaving, in November 2023, Joseph proposed at Copper Falls State Park in northern Wisconsin. It was the sweetest day as we took a road trip and anticipated what was to come. At the top of the lookout tower, he popped the question. We became fiancé and fiancée - and you’ll have to ask us the humorous back story when you see us at the wedding.

Question

Our internship across the pond.

Answer

In January 2024, we set off to England to begin ministry in Birmingham. Here we began to truly know each other at our deepest core. We were away from home, in a big city, beginning full-time ministry, on top of many other dynamics. It provided an opportunity for our relationship to grow in ways other young couples don't get. Our love was not being built on sand, but rather a rock, The Rock, and we are very aware that we have only grown because of Jesus. In the midst of learning about each other, we were flourishing as we began to plan our wedding. Being here has taught us so much, it's crazy! It is a waiting time like no other, but we are committed and confident in what God is calling us to together in marriage and as individual, beloved children of His.

Question

So what happens from here?

Answer

For a variety of reasons, we're convinced that both of us living in the same town is a good idea. So, we have decided to have a small legal ceremony right when we get back at the end of December. We will then be able to live together as a married couple in Stevens Point, working and saving for the future...and planning the wedding without being an hour and a half apart. On May 31st, 2025, we will have another (but much more special) ceremony and reception to celebrate...with all our friends and family there as witnesses. So don’t worry, you won’t miss out on a single thing! We are excited that we get to celebrate this momentous event with all of you. We are grateful that each of you gets to be a part of our story and a witness to what God is doing in our lives as a couple. Thank you for planning to join us!