It all started March 21, 2018 when Mark reached out to Joylyn via Instagram. Although they had a ton of mutual friends they themselves had not known each other. Shortly after that first message they picked a date to meet and get to know one another.

Mark made Joy laugh like no one had ever before. While Joylyn had a way about I her to get Mark to feel comfortable and open up around her. She loved that Mark lived his life unapologetically himself. They would continue to hang out casually for some time as they both had been fresh out of relationships but eventually went their separate ways.

Multiple times throughout their friendship they were drawn back to one another, again and again and again, eventually dating off and on. Until one day Mark confessed his love for Joylyn and she did the same (a week later).

Fast forward to 2024…knowing they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with one another, they bought their first home together. They didn’t stop there though; they bought a puppy and named him Chuga the week before closing. Mark went on to land a new job and Joy a promotion.

To top the year off, on a Thursday night, August 22, 2024 to be exact, Mark asked Joylyn’s hand in marriage, which she replied, “Are you serious?! YES!!” during the sunset at Penbryn Lake (Joy’s happy place). And the rest is still to be written…