The story of how we met!

Jon:

Anna Joy and I first hit it off in Door County in May of 2023. I was running a half marathon with my brother and brother-in-law. My family came to cheer us on. Sam, my brother, is dating Anna Joy’s sister, Emily. So Emily and Anna Joy tagged along to cheer on the guys. Anna Joy says her only intention was to hang out with Lindsey, my sister (Anna Joy’s former roommate), and Emily that weekend, but we all know she had other motives…

Anna Joy:

When Emily asked me to go up to Door County with her, I said I would think about it. I was in the middle of a busy soccer season, and we had a soccer tournament that weekend. After a lot of thought, I decided I needed a break and said I would go. After all, Lindsey would also be there and it would be fun to spend time with her! There were no (despite what Jon might think) ulterior motives in this decision.

Jon:

I agree, spending time with Lindsey (and me) would be so fun! From my perspective, sparks FLEW that weekend over an intense game of Sorry! Towards the end of that same night, we all discussed our favorite books and became friends on Goodreads (social media for book nerds). I left that weekend with a major crush on Anna Joy, and only her Goodreads profile to show for it.

Anna Joy:

Once I got to Door County, I was surprised to find that I was spending more time talking to Lindsey’s brother than her! To set the record straight, I do not remember sparks flying during any family games. I do remember talking about books, and leaving the weekend with a big crush.

Jon:

After that weekend, I had a weird itch to read. So I finished three books that week and gave them all glowing reviews on Goodreads. It was a crazy coincidence they all happened to be recommended to me by Anna Joy. Anna Joy liked and commented on my reviews within a few hours. Also a crazy coincidence.

Anna Joy:

After the weekend, I was surprised to find Jon very active on Goodreads. In fact, every book he read were ones that I had recommended! Obviously, I was very supportive of his reading habit and began to be a little more active on Goodreads myself.

Jon:

Fast forward a few months and many Goodreads likes later, I was back in Door County for a triathlon with my friends Andrew and Sean (groomsmen). I was still interested in Anna Joy, but wasn’t sure how to make the first move. Luckily, she made it for me.

Anna Joy:

I was in Door County later that same summer with my family. As we were leaving, I forgot a couple dresses in the closet of the my friend’s house. Naturally, I texted Lindsey to see if she or any family members were in Door County and able to bring my clothes home. I would like to emphasize that I did NOT leave these clothes intentionally and I did NOT know that Jon was, in fact, in Door County. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Jon:

The Lord does work in truly mysterious ways, and I’m so grateful He does. When Gretchen (bridesmaid) asked me to bring Anna Joy’s things back to Wheaton after that weekend, I couldn’t believe my luck! I planned to leave early on Monday, but when Gretchen couldn’t bring the clothes over to my house until after her shift at Good Eggs (they sell good eggs), I decided to stay an extra night just so I could be the one to bring the clothes back.

Anna Joy:

Jon was so kind to bring my clothes back to Wheaton, and I was excited for him to drop them off so we would have an excuse to see each other. Unfortunately, the day he drove back from Door County happened to be the day I left for California for a MONTH. We kept texting, though, and quickly Jon asked me if he could take me out when I was back in the area. Obviously, I said yes!

Jon:

She said yes! And then yes again on September 28th 2024!!

Jon & Anna Joy:

While in the moment our story seemed very coincidental, we are both aware that God has been at work the whole time. We are thankful for the family and friends who prayed for us our entire lives. Unbeknownst to us, Jon’s Grandma Myrna prayed for us to find each other for close to three years after meeting Anna Joy at Lindsey’s wedding. We are so aware of God’s goodness and we hope to glorify Him in our marriage!

Courtyard By Marriott

Chicago Marriott Naperville