It all began on a warm summer evening in Alexandria, Minnesota—a place near and dear to both of their hearts. On July 1, 2022, Holly was spending time at her family’s beloved lake house, a summer tradition rooted in her father Tom’s Alexandria upbringing. Justin, having recently moved back to Alexandria after a decade in the Twin Cities, decided to spend his evening at Zorbaz, the local hangout known for its lively 4th of July buzz.

As fate would have it, Holly and her best friend Tomie, along with her cousin Jessica, were also at Zorbaz that night, catching up with friends. In the crowded corner of the bar, their paths finally crossed. Justin, shy but intrigued, didn’t say much that first night, but something sparked between them.

The very next evening, Holly was, once again, at Zorbaz with her family, and Justin, joined by his sister Mikayla and brother-in-law Jason, mustered up the courage to strike up a conversation. With a little charm and a lot of nerves, he asked for her number and invited her to meet up on the lake the following day.

Unknown to them, the next day would be the beginning of their love story. That sunny day on Lake Carlos was filled with laughter and connection. The next week, after the excitement of the 4th had quieted down, Justin picked Holly up in his boat for their first official date. They spent the entire day cruising the lake, talking, and getting to know one another. The evening ended with Justin meeting Holly’s entire family by accident (no pressure!), and to no one’s surprise, they adored him.

Soon after, Holly returned to Scottsdale, uncertain of where this summer romance would lead. But what God had begun, he continued to guide. Justin flew to Arizona in late August for a visit that was planned to last four days but ended up stretching to ten. Their connection only deepened, and it became clear that this was something truly special.

Fast forward to April 9, 2024, in the serene beauty of Key Largo, Florida, Justin proposed to Holly, and she joyfully said yes. Three summers after their first meeting, Justin and Holly will tie the knot in the same special place where it all began—Alexandria, Minnesota. They are thrilled to celebrate the love story God has written for them with all those they hold dear. ❤️