Family Dinner

The Barn at Blue Sky Farm

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

From Her Point of View 

How It All Started: The Friday Night Swipe

Picture this: it’s a Friday night, and I’m on the phone with one of my friends, doing what we all do best—complaining. “Why is it so hard to meet someone naturally these days?” I whined. You know, like the rom-com moments where someone spills coffee on you at a cute café, and boom—you’re soulmates. But nope, here I was, single, tired, and wondering if my soulmate was stuck in traffic somewhere. That same night, I got a ping on my Hinge app. Yes, yes, I know—dating apps. But hey, they work sometimes! Little did I know, this wasn’t just another random swipe. This was Jeremy, my future husband, sliding into my life with a message that would change everything.

The FaceTime Panic

Jeremy asked to call me, which was sweet. After a rough day balancing work and school, I thought, “Sure, why not? A quick call can’t hurt.” But then my phone lit up—not with a call but a FaceTime. A FACE. TIME. Cue the panic: my hair was undone, my eyes were puffy, and I looked like I had just crawled out of a tornado. Naturally, I did what any sane person would do—I ignored the call. But Jeremy wasn’t giving up that easily. He tried again, and I finally thought, Fine, if he can’t handle this level of hot mess, that’s on him. Turns out, I didn’t need to worry. We ended up chatting the night away, and for the first time, talking to someone felt... effortless. I laughed more than I had in weeks, and suddenly, that tornado look didn’t seem to matter anymore.

The First Date: Flowers, Games, and Air Hockey (Ugh)

When we finally met in person, Jeremy walked up to me in the parking lot holding flowers. Sweet, right? But let me tell you, he was also the cutest ball of nerves I’d ever seen. We headed to an arcade, where I proceeded to absolutely destroy him at almost every game we played. Skeeball? Check. Basketball? Easy win. But then came air hockey. Jeremy somehow managed to channel his inner champion, and I begrudgingly gave him that one win. (He still won’t let me live it down, by the way.)Afterward, we grabbed some food and talked about everything and nothing. When it was time to go, neither of us wanted the day to end. Jeremy finally blurted out, “Do you maybe want to hang out longer?” And, well, how could I say no to that? We ended up spending the entire day together, laughing, sharing stories, and realizing that this thing between us was... something special.

From Then to Forever

After that first date, we were practically inseparable. It didn’t take long for me to know that Jeremy was the one. Of course, I couldn’t just tell him that right away—I had to play it cool. But here we are, planning a wedding and proving that sometimes, swiping right really does lead to a happily ever after. Since then, we’ve built an incredible life together. We’ve purchased our first home, brought home our first puppy (and, because we clearly enjoy chaos, a second puppy—maybe not our most brilliant decision, but they’re cute, so it works). We’ve also upgraded to a new car, taken family vacations, celebrated weddings, and made so many amazing memories along the way. But the real milestone? Ray approves. I know—can you believe it?

From His point of view

The Night That Changed Everything

It was a night that seemed like any other. I had just gotten home after refereeing a high school football game, ready to kick back and relax. Then I saw it—a notification from Hinge. A message from a beautiful girl named Destini. I blinked for a second, trying to place her, then realized: Oh yeah, I messaged her two weeks ago. We started chatting, and it didn’t take long for me to realize she wasn’t just another pretty face. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I knew I had to keep it going. I played it cool and said, “Can I text you? I don’t use this app much.” To my relief, she responded quickly, and we swapped numbers. Not wanting to lose momentum, I asked, “Can I call you?” She agreed—but I decided to go big. Instead of a call, I FaceTimed her. (Because why not, right?) Well, that move was bold, but it paid off. After some initial hesitation on her part, we ended up talking for two hours straight. By the end of the call, I asked her on a date, and she said yes. Victory!

The First Date

The next morning, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I even called to make sure she was awake (don’t judge me; I was excited). We made plans to meet at Stars and Strikes around noon. When she stepped out of her car, I swear the world stopped for a moment. She was stunning—way out of my league—and I was instantly nervous. I tried to play it cool, though I’m pretty sure my nerves were obvious. Now, if you ask Destini, she’ll tell you she wiped the floor with me at almost every game. But let me set the record straight—I let her win. (Okay, maybe not basketball, where she absolutely dominated, but I was distracted by how gorgeous she looked. That’s my excuse, and I’m sticking to it.) Air hockey, however? That was all me. A guy’s got to hold onto his dignity somewhere, right? Between the games, the trash talk, and the laughter, it felt like we’d known each other forever. Nothing about the date felt forced—it was just easy, fun, and perfect in all the ways you hope a first date will be. After the games, we grabbed lunch and kept talking. When it was time to leave, I couldn’t do it. I didn’t want the day to end. So, like a desperate man with no backup plan, I asked, “Do you want to meet some of my friends?” To my surprise, she said yes. We hung out with Josh and Jennifer for a bit and then ended the day at Casa Grande for dinner. By the time I dropped her off, I knew I was in trouble—the good kind.

From That Day On

That day, I knew my life would never be the same. Meeting Destini was like finding the missing piece of my heart. Today, I’m standing here, marrying not just the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, but also my best friend, my soulmate, and the love of my life. Destini, thank you for changing my life forever. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my days loving you.

Our Story

Photos

Tracy, the one who's always honest, always wild, always up for an adventure and always the one you want mixing your drink!

Tracy Baird

Lee, my friend, my partner in crime. When we met the first time it clicked we would be best friends. We have grown to laugh and have fun every time we hang out. Couldn't ask for anyone else to be my best man. 

Lee Foster

Kaylee, my ray of sunshine and the keeper of my sanity when wedding planning goes sideways, even though she is typically the one off balance one ;) 

Kaylee Bankhead 

My ginger buddy. I remember day 1 working at coca cola together. From that day we became two peas in a pod. I'm glad we became such good friends and a good fishing buddy! 

Ryan Thomas

Chelsea, basically the glue of every family gathering and my unofficial childhood partner-in-crime. From childhood summers to life’s big moments, she’s always been there.

Chelsea Carpenter

Sarah, the one who introduced me to baking sourdough (and my new obsession), and we’ve grown closer through countless date nights, family trips, and laughs over dinner. 

Sarah Foster 

Boub! What can i say. The life of the party. You made me feel welcome the first day You have been a great friend and ever better person to me. So glad you will be by my side on me and Desi big day! 

Boub Hulsey 

Josh, we have been friends since high school P.E class. We have been best friends ever since. You have been a great friend and like a brother. 

Josh Worthington

Our Wedding Party

Dress Code

Q + A

Located 20 miles from Billy Graham Library, The Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia, Ascend Hotel Collection offers 3-star accommodations in Gastonia and has a bar. The property is around 20 miles from Bank of America Stadium, 21 miles from Mint Museum of Craft Design and 21 miles from NASCAR Hall of Fame. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer. The Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia, Ascend Hotel Collection offers an à la carte or American breakfast. At the accommodation you'll find a restaurant serving American cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested. Guests at The Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia, Ascend Hotel Collection will be able to enjoy activities in and around Gastonia, like hiking. Staff at the hotel are available to give information at the 24-hour front desk. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is 21 miles from The Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia, Ascend Hotel Collection, while Spectrum Center is 21 miles from the property. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 14 miles away.

The Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia has a fitness center, shared lounge, a terrace and restaurant in Gastonia. With a bar, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The hotel has an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, all rooms have a desk. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia offers a buffet or à la carte breakfast. Guests can use the business center or relax in the snack bar. Billy Graham Library is 17 miles from the accommodation, while Bank of America Stadium is 17 miles from the property. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 11 miles away.

Hilton Garden Inn Gastonia

Located in Belmont and with Billy Graham Library reachable within 12 miles, Hampton Inn Belmont at Montcross provides a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The hotel features family rooms. Some rooms come with a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and a microwave. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. A buffet, continental or American breakfast is served at the property. Bank of America Stadium is 12 miles from Hampton Inn Belmont at Montcross, while Mint Museum of Craft Design is 13 miles away. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 5 miles from the property.

Hampton Inn Charlotte-Belmont at Montcross

Hampton Inn Lincolnton is a 3-star property located in Lincolnton. The hotel provides an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Discovery Place Kids is 27 miles from Hampton Inn Lincolnton. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 29 miles away.

Hampton Inn Lincolnton

Travel

The most important thing to us is that every person we love feels confident, comfortable, and truly their best on our wedding day. Jeremy and I would love everyone to come in their best black tie optional, this allows us to capture photos of all those we care about in their best on our special night. And if you’re debating shoes, choose the pair that can handle a few questionable dance decisions.

Destini & Jeremy

Destini & Jeremy

D&J