Our journey together began in August 2018, at a college orientation. Madalynn, an orientation leader, was surrounded by a sea of excited 18-year-olds, but there was one student who stood out: Jason. It was clear he was a little out of place, and Madalynn made sure he didn’t feel alone in the crowd. Though not technically his assigned leader, she couldn’t help but notice him, and from there, a connection sparked.

Jason, being the charming guy he is, managed to “get lost” a few times during the orientation, each time finding a reason to seek out Madalynn and strike up a conversation. Little did she know, he was just finding any excuse to spend more time with her.

Our first “date” wasn’t even meant to be a date. Madalynn wasn’t looking for anything serious at the time, so she offered to give Jason a campus tour at Northern Illinois University. But the tour quickly turned into something much more fun. After exploring the campus, we didn’t want the day to end, so we went mini golfing and to the batting cages (just a few dates later, it was discovered Madalynn does not like mini golfing at all). We followed up with lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings and then desert from Ollies Ice Cream.

We found ourselves laughing and enjoying each other’s company as the sun set. That day was a perfect snapshot of us—spontaneous, full of laughter, and never wanting the moments to end.

What started as simple conversations soon grew into something much deeper, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Our favorite memories are made during the fall, particularly when we spend a week of October camping. There’s something about the quiet of the campground, the crisp autumn air, and the time we get to spend unplugged from the hustle and chaos of life that always brings us closer together. It’s the perfect reminder of what truly matters — just the two of us, soaking in the beauty of nature and each other’s company.

Our journey has had its ups and downs, filled with moments of pure joy and challenges that tested our strength as a couple. But through it all, we've grown stronger, more resilient, and more in love. This day, our wedding, marks not only the celebration of our love but the beginning of an exciting new chapter together.

We can’t wait to share this special day with all of you and celebrate the love that has brought us here. Here’s to forever!