Our Story (Jordan’s Version)

Claire and my story is a typical love story. Haha, not!

Claire and I first met at the start of our freshman year at Calvin. I think the only words we shared were “hello” and “what’s up.” For the next four years, we proceeded to exist in our own worlds, bumping into each other from time to time around campus. I do not blame Claire for avoiding me during our time at Calvin, as I had some definite maturing to do.

Proceed to graduation, where life suddenly became real. I was required to become an adult, which is where Claire came into the picture. I really kicked things off when I texted her on her birthday. We would text constantly, see each other out on the town, and began hanging out from time to time. One of the biggest surprises during this period came when Claire got us tickets to the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) event at Van Andel even though we weren’t officially dating and had mutually decided not to exchange any Christmas gifts. Darn Claire didn’t listen! Claire continued to do very intentional things, like making me my favorite foods and accompanying me to things she might not love, but she went anyway, like my church league basketball games. I finally started to realize that this was more than just a friendship. Sometimes I needed a kick-in-the-butt to do the right thing and as we continued to hang out, Claire knew just how to push me along. She was the one that kindly pushed me to ask her out on our first date to Z’s and later assisted me as I asked her to be my girlfriend.

Fast-forward through the next two years, which have been filled with unforgettable memories, crazy adventures, and the creation of new traditions. Our biggest adventure to date was the surprise proposal in Costa Rica. I think Claire had been ready to say yes for a while, but I needed to find the perfect place for the perfect girl. I may have fallen on the hike to the special spot due to nerves, but I think she was still surprised. Ever since I saw how Claire can light up someone elses world, I knew that she was a special person and that I wanted to be with her forever. Her joy and kindness are truly infectious, and she can make anyone feel special.

Our time together has surpassed anything I could have ever imagined. I have enjoyed spending time at the Wierda family cottage getting to know her family. Claire fits perfectly into my family, and I can’t wait to be a part of hers. God truly intended for Claire to be in my life. Claire brings out my best qualities and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together. Thank you to everyone who has supported us during this period and will continue to support us into the future

Our Story (Claire’s Version)

Jordan and I both attended Calvin University, but we barely spoke. I can probably count on one hand how many times we were in the same room. We passed each other on campus, exchanged the occasional jock head nod (him, not me), and that was it. I swear we met in his dorm freshman year, but Jordan has no memory of this.

Fast forward to August 2022 post graduation, and out of the blue, Jordan sent me a message: Happy Birthday! A kind gesture from someone I’d never spoken to before! I assumed it was just one of his go to moves and didn’t think much of it, but we kept chatting, ran into each other a few times, and suddenly, he was texting and calling all the time. Conveniently, he was often playing basketball at the Calvin gym right down the road from my house on nights he knew I’d be home. He’d stop by, I’d make us some grilled cheese, and then he’d leave. This became our routine until we finally hung out outside my kitchen and grabbed pizza at Uccello’s (which Jordan insisted multiple times was not a date).

Then, on November 30, 2022, after leaving me a very sweet voicemail asking for a real shot, he picked me up for what was our first real date. I could hear his truck coming from three streets away. We had dinner at one of our favorite spots, Zs, played duckpin bowling, and he completely surprised me. Opening every door, praying before our meal, and being such a gentleman. What followed was a whirlwind of work holiday parties, Harry Potter marathons, and eventually, the big moment: meeting our families. Jordan made it clear from the start that his family was the most important thing to him and often joked that if they didn’t like me, I didn’t stand a chance. Luckily, after boat shows, birthdays, and margaritas at Los Amigos, I understood why they were so special.

And my sister Kirby especially loved pointing out that she totally called it years ago… I’d end up marrying a finance bro over 6 feet tall.

After getting family approval and weeks of me not so subtly nudging him, Jordan asked me to be his girlfriend on February 26, 2023. He very graciously agreed to share his birthday month with our anniversary.

The past two years have been filled with laughter, growth, and some of the happiest moments of my life. The funny, lighthearted, and sarcastic guy I thought I knew quickly revealed so much more. Jordan is thoughtful, charming, deeply faithful, and the most loving person I have ever met. Through every challenge and triumph, he has lifted me up, challenged me to be my best, and made me laugh every. single. day. So when he got down on one knee during our trip to Costa Rica, saying yes to forever with him was the obvious answer. I am eternally grateful that God’s plan for our lives includes each other.

Here’s to forever with you!