Our story begins during our tween years, as we both enjoyed Karate as an after-school activity. Having claimed to ‘not remember the karate homework’, Jaedon used that excuse to get Alex’s number and call her for the first time. One thing led to another and soon after we were enjoying the classic middle school dates such as going to the movies and the bowling alley (of course with family present). The tween spark between us burned bright but short, as neither 7th grader could be tied down for too long. However, we maintained friendly hellos to each other throughout the rest of our time in our hometown of Carmel, Indiana.

Fast forward (and we mean WAY forward) to the summer of 2019, Alex was finishing up pharmacy school living at home, and Jaedon was working at home until starting his first AmeriCorps program. We bumped into each other while out with friends and decided to meet up for a drink (RIP The Pint Room), and never really stopped talking after that. Within a year (despite some time in Indy during COVID), we were both living and working in DC and growing our lives together here!

In 2023, we were due to take a family trip with the Schusters to San Diego over the 4th of July holiday. Jaedon couldn’t think of a more beautiful setting to pop the question, and was even able to have his parents secretly fly out for the occasion. Despite all the flight troubles, everything went amazingly and he proposed at Torrey Pines State Park to kick off the trip, surprise guests and all! We had such a great time with both families and will surely remember that trip for years to come.

While our story began in Indiana, we thought this would be a great opportunity to celebrate the beginning of our forever around our home in the DMV. Poplar Springs brings us the best of the Virginia outdoors and an awesome ballroom to dance the night away. The ceremony will be officiated by some of our closest friends, Ned and Katie Phillips. We are so thrilled to have you all join us for this special time in our lives!