Justin and Helena met in October 2016 while serving in AmeriCorps NCCC, a residential community service program, with their wonderful team, Silver 3. Immediate friends, and quickly something more, they attempted (badly) to hide it from their teammates while sneaking off to take walks together, going on weekend trips, and watching movies on Helena’s iPad. It was at one of these weekend trips that they first said “I love you.” Although they swore “AmeriLove” never lasted after the program, Justin asked Helena to come to Colorado with him.


In October 2017, after meeting each other’s families for the very first time, they packed up the Jeep and headed across the country. Within a few weeks, they had jobs, their first (very small) apartment, and started settling into their new city.


Both Justin and Helena came into the relationship with a love for live music, (although not always the same music), which helped introduce them to some of their closest friends in Denver, many of whom are standing up with them on the big day.


In December 2021, they became a household of three when four oversized paws and a very long, furry, neck entered the picture. Finn has brought so much joy into their lives, whether out on an adventure, laying awkwardly on the couch, or making weird noises in his sleep.


On November 18th, 2022, Justin pulled off the perfect proposal surprise, asking Helena to marry him, while surrounded by friends and family, near and far.


Of course, Helena said, “yes, omg yes, of course I’ll marry you!”