Once upon a time in a land far far away....

Just kidding! It's not that type of story. But it is a pretty epic love story if you ask me. My first memory of Joey is a little foggy because I personally do not remember a life without him. We were so blessed to both grow up in our home church of Saginaw First Assembly of God now known as GraceValley Church! The most precious gift our families ever gave us was to be rooted in our faith. Our families always knew each other and have earlier memories before Joey and I were ever set out to be 'Joey and I'. For so many years Joey was always the guy in the tech booth and I was the girl who ran projection slides. We had many years of polite small talk while we both served in our church.

Now - we have to get real for a moment. Joey and I have an age gap of 10 years. We were friends for a very long time prior to dating. I will admit, I always had a crush on the cute sound guy but it took a long time before our relationship would evolve into a beautiful love story. Like so many, our love story has been in no way a linear journey. My freshman year of college Joey and I transitioned our friendship into a relationship. We had many incredible experiences together during this time. We were each others best friends. We loved each other, and then, we broke up. I was heart broken. Joey was/is/and always will be my best friend in this life and we both realized the timing of us was not meant to be.

Joey pursued his career. I continued college. I also continued praying that God would lead, guide, and order my steps. I have always prayed that God would lead me to my husband. In my heart I have always felt that would be Joey. During the years spent apart we both maintained a friendship and always supported one another. Joey encouraged me to follow my dreams. Joey has always made me feel that I can do absolutely anything and that no goal or dream is "too big".

Joey and I found our way back to one another romantically in 2023. I had undergone a huge life transition and Joey was a pillar through that for me. There was no longer the ability to deny the love we deeply shared. We often discussed that we would never jump back into a relationship with each other unless we undoubtedly knew it would work. Summer of 2023 we knew. I finally got to date my best friend again! This time we both knew the timing was right.

Joey is my person and I can confidently say, Joey would tell you, I'm his person. We started our sequel relationship off by praying for Gods blessings and desiring to live within His perfect boundaries and design. Then, we just lived life.

Joey and I started creating many unforgettable memories. We slowly started integrating back into one another's families in a special way. We have been blessed to cultivate amazing friendships with other couples. We both discovered we love gardening together, cooking dinner together is far more enjoyable with each other than alone, I could not tell you how many belly laughs we have while shopping in Meijer. I look at this man and feel abundantly blessed because life together is amazing. Even the mundane tasks of grocery shopping, yard work, car rides, and Home Depot runs.

December 20th 2024 was our YES day! The day Joey asked me to become his wife. Our proposal was simply beautiful. We got engaged on a cold Friday night in Frankenmuth, MI. Joey took me on a carriage ride prior to proposing where we reminisced about how many years prior we took a carriage ride around Frankenmuth right before Christmas. We truly have come so far since that first carriage ride. I knew we were in a special moment, I was filled with love, anticipation and complete peace. We walked hand in hand to our proposal spot following our carriage ride. There was a beautiful spot set up in the snow with lanterns, candles, and a plaid blanket for Joey to kneel on. I watched my best friend get on a knee that night and tell me that life will always be better with me than apart from me. It was the easiest YES of my life. To my surprise, we were then greeted by our family. The people who matter to us the most. Joey and I both love that our family got to witness such a beautiful life moment for both of us.

God has blessed us. He blessed us with a love that neither of us plan to ever take for granted. Joey and I have a deep sense of what true commitment means and we are elated to be publicly making the ultimate commitment to one another through marriage. Choosing to be married in our church was the easiest part of wedding planning. We hope you join us in watching the union of our exchange of vows. We look forward to this day with great anticipation and an amplitude of gratitude.

I don't know how to end this. If you read this far. Bless you! We love you and we cannot wait until 12.5.25!

- Jessica & Joey

Things to Do

Dow Gardens & The Whiting Forest

Midland Center For The Arts

Santa House