Joe and Jenna met in college where both were members of the honor fraternity Phi Sigma Pi at East Carolina. Although the pair spent a lot of time together, they remained only friends and lost touch shortly graduation. After moving to Raleigh in late summer 2009, Joe and Jenna reconnected as friends when they discovered the lived less than a mile apart. As time went by the two became very close friends, soon discovering that their friendship had grown in to love. 5 years later, Joe and Jenna purchased their first house together where they currently live with their two furry children, Maggie Mae and Lola. Jenna and Joe are very excited to FINALLY be tying the knot!

Joe proposed to me on September 17th 2013 in Ocean City, NJ while on vacation with the McLaughlin family. Joe did not tell anyone prior to proposing for fear that someone would let the secret slip. I later found out that the ring was hidden in his sock drawer for three months while he waited for the right moment…Joe is a planner. On the frigid night of the 17th, the last night of our vacation, Joe insisted that we go for a walk on the beach. At first I was not thrilled at the idea of a walk on the beach… it was cold, windy and dark! Joe continued to insist until I finally gave in. I changed in to my comfy, warm and super unromantic sweatpants. Of course, I had zero warning that I may want to look cute for this particular walk. Joe was unusually quiet during the stroll. After about 10 minutes of walking I was already ready to turn back. We headed back toward the house, chit chatting and walking hand in hand. Joe very causally asked if I knew how much he loved me, and before I could respond, he dropped down to one knee. Puzzled and concerned that he may tripped, I looked down at him and in that moment my heart stopped. I saw him kneeling there, holding an open box, quietly whispering "this much". I was speechless (for the first time in my life J ), then in perfect, laid back, easy going "Joe like" fashion he simply asked if I would marry him... and the rest is history!