In 2012, Ellie and Justin left home to go to college in the great state of IOWA! Ellie attended Cornell to play volleyball and Justin for football. College athletes moved on to campus two-weeks before other students for two-a-days. So after a grueling two weeks, freshman orientation was here! Athletes were required to "volunteer" and unpack other student's cars as they arrived on campus. As the final cars trickled in, Ellie and Justin strolled toward the same SUV to unpack. Justin, walking in front of Ellie, found himself in a predicament. Two things were left to trek to the student room..... a mini-fridge and a stack of 3 pillows. He glanced behind him where Ellie was standing, smiled, grabbed the stack of 3 pillows, and walked away. So yes, Ellie's first impression of Justin was, "You're kidding me. What an a**hole!" Ellie carried that mini-fridge up 4 flights of stairs without saying a word. She is, always has been, and always will be a strong, independent woman.

After 3 years of friendship, with a little bit of flirting in-between, Justin Facebook messaged Ellie asking "Do you want to go shopping with me/go out on a date?" Yikes... Ellie missed that red flag.

The young gentleman from southeast Ohio pulled out all the tricks he had:

1) Picked her up at her front door (illegally drove on the sidewalk to pick her up in front of the dorm room).

2) Be well groomed (Justin actually got a haircut as a 'pit stop' on the way to dinner. Red flag #2).

3) Know her favorite drink (ordered a "flight of wine" at Olive Garden).

Good thing Justin has a nice smile.

Upon graduation (2016), Ellie moved to Omaha and Justin moved to Cedar Rapids. The truth is neither of them really wanted to be in those cities, but they both knew they didn't want to be too far apart. They grew independently and started their careers 4 hours apart. Long distance seemed hard until Ellie decided she needed to follow her heart and start a new chapter abroad (2018). Ellie had the courage to live in Thailand at a non-profit for 4 months and naturally added in some extra travel to experience more of the world. This made long distance, longer.

Justin, inspired by Ellie, decided to follow his heart too. He decided to do a fundraiser for clean water. He convinced Mitchel to train with him and do 1,000 pull-ups in one day. Well, you all know what that has lead to...

In January 2020, Ellie and Justin decided, in 6 months, they would finally live in the same city. With Denver being so expensive, they logically decided to move in together (sorry grandpa). After 4 years of long-distance, then living together 100% of the time during the pandemic, well, let's just say it was an adjustment for both of them.

Ellie and Justin both value their family and friends so much. Ellie's brothers Will & Jason, and Justin's siblings Amy, Gabe & Jordan, have helped shape who they are today.

The soon-to-be newlyweds are lucky enough to have amazing parents too. Justin's Grandma and Grandpa will get to enjoy the special day too.

If you are still reading this, we love you so much. We hope that you continue to be "our people."