Our story starts on the dating app Hinge. Late one night, Johnny was scrolling through the app and spotted a vivacious girl with vibrant red hair and a 40’s movie star glamour quality. He decided he needed to make the first move – but unfortunately, he procrastinated, and when we went back to message her the next day, she was gone! What to do!?

A few days later, Johnny was back scrolling on the app and saw the same woman again! Her answer to the question of what her ideal Sunday was much like his own: church, gym/walks outside, talking to family, and making meals. Not only was she pretty, but he suspected they may share similar values. This time, he wasted no time. He messaged her immediately.

When Lillie got the message, she was on her friend, Bonnie Kone’s bachelorette trip, in a stairwell riding out a hurricane warning with the other bridesmaids. What better time to go through Hinge! That’s when the girls spotted Johnny. All of her friends told her that this guy was it and that she should give him a chance. Instead, Lillie waited an entire week (much to Johnny’s chagrin), because this was the first time Lillie was ever asked out, so she was nervous. Eventually with kind encouragement from Kelsey Rappe, she did respond and Johnny quickly asked her on a date for April 22, 2023, at Ted’s Bulletin in DC.

Over cocktails and a slice of chocolate cake with two forks, it became very clear we shared a lot of things in common: family stories, Frank Sinatra, reading presidential memoirs, and most importantly - a rooted faith in Christ. Johnny thought Lillie was really cool and stylish. Lillie thought it was like meeting an old friend for the first time. We walked away, both surprised at the number of things we shared, often saying throughout the night, “No way - Me too!”

On the second date, Lillie told Johnny that she felt safe with him. Johnny was surprised by how quick it was, but even from early on, we felt a natural comfort with the other.

Two months to the day after their first date, Johnny asked Lillie to be his girlfriend and she said yes!

Thus, a year and a half of dating began: Halloween on Capitol Hill, the occasional Survivor episode (on Johnny’s part, Lillie has seen each one), Viennese waltzing at the Austrian embassy, warm dinners after work at her place, UNC Homecoming, and meeting each other’s friends and families.

Johnny was falling in love with Lillie’s open and welcoming heart, her sense of fun, and real love for God. Lillie was falling in love with Johnny’s stability, humor (always keeps her laughing!), and his pursuit of her heart.

After a fall night at a corn maze, Johnny told Lillie he loved her in the kitchen and she said it back – and we have been saying it to each other ever since!

Around New Years 2024, their love began to focus on a shared future. We used the word “marriage” for the first time and Johnny began dreaming of taking the LSAT. These two pillars came to define the rest of the year as we worked towards our goals.

As spring turned to summer, we learned to persevere together in hard times: Johnny’s car was stolen (the first of two times), Lillie was the victim of an armed carjacking that resulted in the permanent loss of her car, and LSAT studying demanded a significant portion of Johnny’s free time.

Interspersed were days of joy, like Lillie moving into a new home and her birthday weekend; but there were nearly as many hard days as days like these. This period deepened our relationship, as it was no longer solely perpetual sunshine and roses. We had forged a more solid, a more lasting foundation of trust. Each had proven we could rely on each other in difficult moments. Through the grace of God, our relationship was refined.

On Labor Day, in Stanton Park, having been tested in the fires of the previous months, Johnny and Lillie were delighted to plan towards an engagement “around the turn of the year.”

To mark a year and a half since our first date, we went ring shopping. Johnny flew to Georgia on Veterans Day weekend to ask for and receive Lillie’s parents blessing to marry their daughter. While applying to law school, he was secretly designing an engagement ring and planning the engagement day.

On December 14, Johnny popped the question in Lincoln Park, the backdrop for the early puppy dog love days, and Lillie said yes. Johnny doesn’t remember hearing it, but he knows it was there in the midst of the joyful tears and squeals. We had a surprise family dinner and surprise engagement party with 50 friends and family.

We are thrilled to be marrying the loves of our lives – the person who knows and yet still loves us. Our journey has been carried by the prayers, presence, and wisdom of our friends and family. To the reader, we are thankful for the role you have played in our life story and we could not be more excited to celebrate our marriage with you on June 21!

To quote Lillie’s favorite hymn, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”

Wedding Day

4:30 PM–5:30 PM

4:30 PM–5:30 PM

Ceremony

5:45 PM–10:00 PM

5:45 PM–10:00 PM

Reception