Chad and I's journey began in March of 2022 when we crossed paths on the dating app. Instantly, there was a spark, and our weekends became filled with joy as we strolled along Woodland Beach every Sunday morning.

On December 8, 2023, Chad surprised me with a proposal at the Toledo Zoo, and without hesitation, I said yes! In the following weeks, as we brainstormed ideas for our wedding, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease at the thought of being the center of attention in a traditional ceremony/reception scenario. Realizing the stress of planning for a "big day" was overwhelming, so we made a bold decision to elope! It was a choice that brought us both immense excitement and relief.

Since it was just the two of us going to Mexico, we made everything legal at home on 2/24/24, surrounded by our four-legged children. Our moms served as witnesses and our great friend Nate, being ordained, legally married us before we left.

With the legal requirements out of the way, our intimate, Leap Day, vow exchange on the beach was nothing short of magical. With the sand beneath our bare feet, we were free to be ourselves, sharing promises of love and commitment in our own private paradise.

While our elopement was the beautiful beginning to our married life we imagined, we eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate our love with all of our cherished friends and family on the very beach where our journey together first began.