It all started on Match.com (yes, we know!) in October 2019. We were matched up and Lindsey sent the first message with a cheesy tag line, as Lindsey’s introverted self would. Jillian, in the midst of school, didn’t reply to that message more than a week, almost missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime.

Once connected, Jillian’s first thought based on Lindsey’s “CrossFit” pictures was that she quite possibly would be self-absorbed, and besides Jillian’s beautiful eyes, Lindsey first noticed and asked about the dogs in the pictures before asking Jillian anything about herself…which would be a foreshadowing of what was to come….

As time went on, we both came to find all the things we had been missing and hoping for in a relationship had finally been found with each other. We went and threw axes on our first date and Lindsey also found out about Jillian’s baking abilities and was promised endless amounts of cookie dough.

In the first year, we went through the lockdowns with Covid, and in the process we found out how much we really do love dogs as we went from 3 to 6 in the span of a year. Initially we intentionally adopted Stitch when shelters were asking for help. We didn’t know a few months later we would find Charli as a hungry, nerve damaged stray pup or Penny dumped on the side of the road tied to a tiny crate and injured.

Our friends and family often wonder how we can manage this many dogs, particularly because half have special needs, but the answer is that we just have the same crazy passion for dogs and would do anything for our 4-legged babies.

To wrap the year up, Jillian had been scheming behind the scenes to plan a proposal at a llama farm that our families knew about, truly catching Lindsey by surprise (she said yes!). We had so much fun that day and it’s a day neither of us will forget. As we moved through our second year together we realized we wanted to be closer to family, so we sold the house and began plans for a new build this summer.

Our families were gracious enough to allow us to bring our animals into their homes while we wait for our home to be built. We are incredibly lucky to have their support during this process. And as we sit and write this, there is a high probability the house closes within days of the wedding - why not just do both at the same time!

To close out, we both are so excited to share our special day with all of you; each one of you has a special place in our hearts and we’re so glad you can join us!

Love,

Jillian & Lindsey

J&L