Trinity Reformed Church

Wedding Ceremony

The Wintz Home

Wedding Reception

At the Table

Texas Reception

Our Wedding

In 2020, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, to begin my career as an English professor at a Christian university. He actually teaches early modern and renaissance lit –&nbsp;Shakespeare, Milton, etc. I had essentially put dating “on hold” while I was finishing graduate school, but now that my degree was finished and I had a tenure-track job, I hoped and prayed I would find my soulmate in the Low Country. I knew, though, that it would not be easy to meet women the “traditional” way due to the pandemic. So, I decided to take a chance and try online dating. I promised myself, though, that I would only date locally. I imagined I would meet a beautiful, intelligent, and godly woman online, talk to her for a week or two, and then meet up to date face-to-face. But God clearly had other plans.&nbsp; In summer 2020, my sister Meghan told me I wasn't allowed to stay in small-town Idaho and not online date. I told her "I don't shop at thrift stores" –&nbsp;which is way less snobby than it sounds. I just know that you can find gems at thrift stores, but it gets discouraging wading through so much junk. I begrudgingly got an eHarmony profile knowing the Lord could use it if He wanted to to do what basically felt impossible. I got a year subscription so I wouldn't cancel it...and a week later emailed them trying to cancel. Nope, it doesn't work that way – you're stuck with a year subscription. On February 3, 2021, I created an eHarmony profile. Shortly after activating my profile, I realized I made an error when entering my information. Instead of selecting the “&lt;15 miles” dating radius, I accidentally selected the “&lt;150 miles” option. Within a few minutes of activating my profile, I started receiving messages from women across the country and across the world. I quickly realized my mistake and corrected it, but in that short window, a beautiful, intelligent, and godly woman named Courtney Skeen from Moscow, Idaho sent me a message with a question about my dissertation. I asked him why an ENTJ (as he said he was on his profile) would want to write a book about something almost no one cared about (something on his 5 year plans list). Insert nerd emoji. Turns out it was related to his dissertation, which was on Calvinism and aesthetics. I told him that sounded pretty standard to me. Insert a few more nerd emojis. Given the distance between us, eHarmony never would have “matched” us or even let Courtney message me if she had not been online at that particular moment and reached out during the hour-long window before I changed my dating radius. Talk about divine timing! I messaged him kind of casually. I really didn't get online that often, and when I did I only did so in a private browser because I was so mortified about the idea. But I kind of rolled my eyes and checked out some profiles here and there. From his profile, I could tell Cole obviously could communicate well but in a very non-stuffy way, and his profile very unapologetically spoke about his faith, which was refreshing. My response to Courtney’s message quickly turned into a conversation, and within four days we had exchanged 10,000+ words via eHarmony. I was immediately attracted to both her cute profile pic and the intelligence, character, and strong, sassy personality she displayed in our messages. So, I asked Courtney for her number, and after countless text messages and phone calls and one very awkward FaceTime date on Valentine’s Day... Just a brief interlude here. I went into that date kind of interested, but terrified. I almost wore a black turtleneck because I like black, but apparently in spite of my white lacy top I was so severe and serious and wouldn't crack a smile that he wondered if I ever laughed. After a three hour conversation I came down the stairs and told the girls in the house that it was, "meh" and I was "under-impressed." ...I knew this was the woman I was supposed to marry. First and foremost, I admired Courtney’s love for God and her commitment to living an authentic Christian life. But I was also attracted to her character, personality, intelligence, and beauty, and I was awed by all that we had in common. I told several of my friends that I had never met anyone like Courtney. We were so similar in our beliefs, values, upbringings, and personalities that it shocked me. She seemed too good to be true. While Cole was so amazed at all the similarities, I was just skeptical and scared. It was super sweet of him to offer to buy me dinner for a FaceTime date less than two weeks after we first talked online, and he was super engaging to talk to. But given my own story over the past years, I really had no idea what it would take for me to trust someone. I was scared of actually being vulnerable; I was scared that he wouldn't be who he seemed. I also had to confess that I had been online dating which was its own mortification of the flesh. There were many tearful conversations with Sara and my parents over those weeks, and lots of making Cole persuade me out of my but-what-does-trust-even-mean-and-how-would-I-even-know-if-we-ever-could-trust-each-other fears that I very much verbalized. I'm not one to play hard to get, so I guess it was convenient that I had so many natural anxieties about the whole thing that it gave him something to fight for. But there was one BIG PROBLEM—Courtney lived 2,736 miles away! The distance just seemed insurmountable. How long would we talk before we got the chance to meet in person? When would I ever find time to visit Idaho? When would Courtney ever be able to visit South Carolina? Even if we did meet and we did want a serious relationship, how would we keep the relationship growing when we lived on opposite sides of the country? How do you talk regularly to someone when there’s a three-hour difference between your time zones? My head did the relationship calculus, added things up, and came to the conclusion that the logistical challenges would just be too great. Thankfully, my heart chose to ignore my head. I knew that I had to pursue a relationship with Courtney no matter the challenges or obstacles.&nbsp; Seventy-eight days later and several cross-country trips later, Courtney and I got engaged. She first visited me in Charleston on March 12th, and the first day we spent together confirmed what I already suspected: this was the woman I was supposed to marry. He told me later that he realized this when we sat down across from each other at dinner that first night, and, as I told him, I could tell. It was the moment I hoped I could love him, too. A few days later, I told her that I loved her, and she told me she loved me too. I mean not exactly. I told him that I wasn't sure I could say it yet – it was probably a few days later after I was back home. The moment I realized I felt safe enough to love him was actually after a conversation with his parents, who happened to be visiting him at the same time. Hearing their perspective on their son was such a help to me, as I was struggling to know how to believe him to be as wonderful as he seemed. Side note: that whole weekend was magical, and included canoeing (very unskillfully) on the swamp from The Notebook, watching him teach a class on Shakespeare's Tempest, playing dominoes with his parents, walking a gorgeous plantation, watching Jeffrey family favorite movies, drinking cocktails and eating oysters in downtown Charleston, and perusing downtown stores for a red dress (long story) that we didn't find. I can't remember who it was, but someone at his (soon to be our) church asked me if we had met in Texas, and I said no, and she asked if it was Idaho, and I said no, and just looked at her. I just could. Not. Bring. Myself. To admit we had met online. Yet. I'm sorry, whoever that was. I'm not usually that awkward, I really do promise. Our relationship began to progress quickly, but thankfully, we were guided and encouraged by so many friends and family members on both sides who shared our joy. It was both surprising and so helpful to me that all of the friends and family that I thought would be telling me to put on the brakes were basically kicking me out the door, amazed at all the things that Cole had seen as so completely and surprisingly complementary but that I had missed out of my fear. They acknowledged and reaffirmed what we knew to be true: God brought us together and wanted us to get married. He also brought me a red dress when he visited Moscow, because he's just a romantic like that. And we got to spend time with so many good friends, and cook together as we hosted some of them. On April 22nd, I flew to Moscow to surprise Courtney with a proposal.&nbsp;Which included him tracking down the ring from a FedEx distribution center an hour before heading to the airport, and setting up candles and rose petals (which I dried for our flower girls to throw), and managing to have a surprise party for me at 10 pm. And then teaching my high school class on Aristotle with me the next morning before we flew out on the planned part of the trip to see our families. So here we are. It’s been a crazy journey, and things have moved so quickly. But throughout this adventure, I have seen over and over again the Lord’s providence in bringing Courtney and me together and guiding us towards the altar. We invite you to celebrate with us on July 3rd when we get married in Moscow, Idaho. Our wedding will truly be a reminder that the Lord “has made everything beautiful in its season.” And, as it turns out, my year eHarmony subscription will expire on the last day of our honeymoon.

Our Story

Photos

Sara Appel

Sister | 
St. Petersburg, Russia
*It sadly looks like she will be unable to attend due to the current international climate. 

Sarah Purcell

Meghan Crawford

Cate Jeffrey

Annina Macdonald

Caity Pettinger

Marissa Lloyd

Danae Harlow

Joniah Grebe

Monique Harby

Friends since September 2017 | 
Moscow, ID

Allie Erber 

Anna Saunders

Ella and Merry Blythe Appel

Courtney's Nieces | 
St. Petersburg, Russia
*It sadly looks like they will be unable to attend due to the current international climate. 

Elle Grace, Katya, and Nadya Purcell

Met February 2013/October 2020 | 
Moscow, ID

Magdalene and Pearl Appel

Bronson, Jax, Jett, and Ryker Crawford

Met August 2012/November 2015 | 
Moscow, ID

Giles and Nils Appel

Clark Jeffrey

Matthew Cole

Michael Douglass

Ben Douglass

Michael Brusuelas

Tim Ponce

William Guess

Robert Cozzi

Riley Skeen

Courtney's Brother-In-Law | 
Farmington, NM

Bryan Crawford

Jared Mosher

Blaise Appel

Wedding Party

Q + A

There are several great Airbnb's in Moscow, and we've added the local hotel options below. The three airports to fly into are Spokane - GEG (90 miles from Moscow), Lewiston - LWS (37 miles), and Pullman - PUW (7 miles).

Near New St Andrew's CollegeMake yourself at home in one of the 20 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Monarch Motel, you'll be centrally located in Moscow, within a 15-minute drive of Washington State University and New St Andrew's College.  This motel is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Gritman Medical Center and 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Camas Prairie Winery.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  New St Andrew's College - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Gritman Medical Center - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi  Camas Prairie Winery - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  McConnell Mansion Museum - 0.7 km / 0.5 mi  University of Idaho - 1 km / 0.6 mi  Kibbie Dome - 1.6 km / 1 mi  Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center - 2.9 km / 1.8 mi  Appaloosa Horse Museum - 3 km / 1.9 mi  Washington State University - 12.7 km / 7.9 mi  Martin Stadium - 14.8 km / 9.2 mi  Beasley Coliseum - 14.9 km / 9.2 mi  Pullman Regional Hospital - 15.2 km / 9.4 mi  The nearest airports are:Pullman, WA (PUW-Pullman - Moscow Regional) - 10.8 km / 6.7 mi Lewiston, ID (LWS-Nez Perce County Regional) - 54.9 km / 34.1 mi The front desk is staffed during limited hours.

Monarch Motel

Near University of IdahoMake yourself at home in one of the 74 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. 32-inch LCD televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.With a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites Moscow in Moscow, you'll be near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of University of Idaho and New St Andrew's College.  This hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Appaloosa Horse Museum and 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  University of Idaho - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Kibbie Dome - 1 km / 0.6 mi  New St Andrew's College - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Camas Prairie Winery - 1.2 km / 0.8 mi  McConnell Mansion Museum - 1.5 km / 1 mi  Gritman Medical Center - 1.6 km / 1 mi  Appaloosa Horse Museum - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center - 3.5 km / 2.2 mi  Washington State University - 11.4 km / 7.1 mi  Martin Stadium - 13.5 km / 8.4 mi  Beasley Coliseum - 13.6 km / 8.5 mi  Pullman Regional Hospital - 13.8 km / 8.6 mi  The nearest airports are:Pullman, WA (PUW-Pullman - Moscow Regional) - 9.5 km / 5.9 mi Lewiston, ID (LWS-Nez Perce County Regional) - 56 km / 34.8 mi The preferred airport for Fairfield Inn & Suites Moscow is Pullman, WA (PUW-Pullman - Moscow Regional). Take advantage of recreation opportunities including an indoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, tour/ticket assistance, and a picnic area.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Moscow? This hotel has facilities measuring 1352 square feet (122 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.Grab a bite from the grocery/convenience store serving guests of Fairfield Inn & Suites Moscow. A complimentary breakfast is included on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Moscow

Near University of IdahoMake yourself at home in one of the 173 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Cable programming along with MP3 docking stations are provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Best Western Plus University Inn, you'll be centrally located in Moscow, within a 15-minute drive of Washington State University and Appaloosa Horse Museum.  This golf hotel is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Kibbie Dome and 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from University of Idaho.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  University of Idaho - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Appaloosa Horse Museum - 1.2 km / 0.7 mi  Kibbie Dome - 1.2 km / 0.8 mi  New St Andrew's College - 1.8 km / 1.1 mi  Camas Prairie Winery - 1.9 km / 1.2 mi  McConnell Mansion Museum - 2.3 km / 1.4 mi  Gritman Medical Center - 2.4 km / 1.5 mi  Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center - 4.2 km / 2.6 mi  Washington State University - 10.7 km / 6.7 mi  Martin Stadium - 12.8 km / 8 mi  Beasley Coliseum - 12.9 km / 8 mi  Pullman Regional Hospital - 13.1 km / 8.2 mi  The nearest airports are:Pullman, WA (PUW-Pullman - Moscow Regional) - 8.8 km / 5.5 mi Lewiston, ID (LWS-Nez Perce County Regional) - 56.7 km / 35.2 mi The preferred airport for Best Western Plus University Inn is Pullman, WA (PUW-Pullman - Moscow Regional). Enjoy a range of recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, gift shops/newsstands, and wedding services.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Moscow? This hotel has facilities measuring 12000 square feet (1115 square meters), including a conference center. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).Enjoy American cuisine at Seasons Public House, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). A complimentary full breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and on weekends from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Best Western Plus University Inn

Near Washington State UniversityMake yourself at home in one of the 122 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and Smart televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided daily.When you stay at Courtyard by Marriott Pullman in Pullman, you'll be next to a golf course, just steps from Washington State University and 11 minutes by foot from Beasley Coliseum.  This golf hotel is 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Martin Stadium.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Washington State University - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi  Beasley Coliseum - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Martin Stadium - 1.5 km / 0.9 mi  Pullman Regional Hospital - 4.2 km / 2.6 mi  Appaloosa Horse Museum - 13.1 km / 8.1 mi  Kibbie Dome - 15.5 km / 9.7 mi  University of Idaho - 15.7 km / 9.7 mi  New St Andrew's College - 16 km / 9.9 mi  Camas Prairie Winery - 16.1 km / 10 mi  McConnell Mansion Museum - 16.4 km / 10.2 mi  Gritman Medical Center - 16.4 km / 10.2 mi  Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center - 19.2 km / 11.9 mi  Wawawai County Park - 23.7 km / 14.7 mi  The nearest airports are:Pullman, WA (PUW-Pullman - Moscow Regional) - 3.6 km / 2.2 mi Lewiston, ID (LWS-Nez Perce County Regional) - 58.5 km / 36.4 mi Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a fitness center, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and wedding services.Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and dry cleaning/laundry services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).At Courtyard by Marriott Pullman, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee.

Cole & Courtney

Cole & Courtney

Wedding Party