Maggie and JJ met the modern way in December 2019: by swiping right on Tinder (It’s a Match!). Their first date at Purple Bar in downtown Seattle was amazing. Admittedly, Maggie was a little intimidated the first time she met JJ – Thankfully, he wasn’t a catfish!! JJ thought Maggie’s secretiveness and shyness were cute - maybe because she wasn’t very fluent in English (she used Google Translate to text during their first few message exchanges). During their dinner date at Purple Bar, JJ ordered steak and Maggie ordered some pasta (she secretly wanted the steak but was too shy to order it) Knowing this, JJ shared some of his dinner portion with her – and that was the moment Maggie knew that he was “the one”. After dinner, they went out to a Christmas light show and drank mulled wine while getting to know each other. This was a long and exciting evening, so much so that afterwards…they both fell asleep on JJ’s couch while watching a Christmas movie.

Maggie and JJ spent almost every weekend together since they first met. They made many fun memories while traveling and exploring Seattle. They also survived the COVID pandemic together. During this time, Maggie realized that JJ is a very silly person who never misses an opportunity to joke around or play pranks. JJ once played a prank on Maggie that was so bad, she still won’t forgive him for it to this day. During their first road trip together, while out in the middle of nowhere Utah, JJ pulled up to a gas station to refuel the car. It was a great opportunity for Maggie to use the restroom and stock up on snacks. While Maggie went inside, JJ pulled the car behind the building and hid. When Maggie got out of the store and didn’t see JJ or the car she started panicking. With tears in her eyes, she didn’t know what to do – Meanwhile, JJ was observing the whole situation laughing so hard. As a result of this traumatic experience, JJ is no longer allowed to pump gas unsupervised and now Maggie keeps the car keys at all rest stops.

JJ proposed to Maggie during their last weekend in Seattle in August 2021. He planned everything but Maggie had no idea how this unforgettable day would play out. They started off with dinner at a fancy restaurant (which is unusual for JJ), so Maggie thought maybe he would pop the question there…but nothing happened. After dinner they went to Columbia Tower for drinks – again, nothing happened. Then JJ took Maggie to the Space Needle to see the Seattle skyline by night – It was very romantic but…still nothing happened, and Maggie lost all hope. On the car ride home as Maggie was scrolling through her Instagram, JJ suddenly turned his car into a parking lot. “I’ve got one more surprise”– he said. He then took her to Purple Bar, the restaurant where they had their first date, and that was the place where JJ (finally) popped the question and Maggie said – YES!

We can’t wait to celebrate our special day with you at our ceremony and reception in October!