The First Date/Becoming Official:

Steve and Jessie met over Hinge in early 2020 when Steve sent her the message “I can be your little drummer boy.” Jessie thought it was cute and they started talking. They realized they had a lot in common, being both alumni of Ashland University and being members of the Marching Band and the Theta Zeta chapter of KKPsi. They had even seen each other at different AU events before, they just never talked. They only had one issue: distance. Steve lived in Brunswick, OH and Jessie lived over two hours away in Zanesville. With the long distance between them, they decided to meet half way in Ashland at Vine’s Bakery. They talked until closing and decided to go to a local brewery. Their first date lasted around 7 hours! A week later, they went to a Valentine’s Day Dance at the Ashland Kroc Center and decided to make their relationship official.

The Long-Distance Relationship:

A month into dating, the COVID-19 pandemic had begun. With many places closed, they had many facetime calls and dinner dates within their own homes.

Moving in Together:

After dating for over a year, Steve and Jessie decided to move in together. Jessie quit her job in Zanesville and they moved into an apartment in Strongsville where they currently live! They eventually joined the Strongsville Community Band together. They have explored NE Ohio while also enjoying time at home with their two cats, Nina and Ragtime.

The Proposal:

Steve planned the whole entire day out. In the morning, they went to brunch at a small bakery and café that resembled their first date at Vine's Bakery. After that, they went to see the musical Hamilton, which is one of the first musicals Jessie had shown Steve. After Hamilton, Steve drove to the Public Square to walk around. After reflecting on their time together, he got on one knee in front of the giant tree and of course, Jessie said yes!