Back in 2019, Melanie was a Sophomore and Justin was a Junior, both studying at Robert Morris University. Melanie was studying Marketing and Justin was studying Sport Management. Both decided to take Human Resource Management as a business elective. On the first day of class, Justin made the wise decision to sit next to Melanie in the front row (teacher's pets). It just so happened the professor placed them in the same semester-long project group.

Linda (her mom) asked Melanie (on a weekly basis) if she had met any new cute guys in class. Melanie told her mom she met someone named Justin, but he was WAY out of her league and definitely had a girlfriend.

Fast forward to the end of the semester, Melanie was sitting at lunch with her friends. Her friend's boyfriend at the time (Groomsman Josh McCoy) joined the ladies for lunch.

Josh asked Melanie, "So, what are you looking for in a guy?"

Melanie responded, "I'm looking for someone tall, athletic, smart, & funny. Someone who loves roller coasters, ranch dressing, country music, and laying on the beach!"

Josh responds.. "I have the PERFECT guy for you.. my buddy JUSTIN JOCKEL!"

And the rest is history..... ❤

In August of 2022, Justin and Melanie planned a trip with friends to one of their all time favorite places, Cedar Point. They arrived at Hotel Breakers, began the day at the beach & pool, and headed back to the room to get ready for dinner. They ate dinner in the resort at Tomo Hibachi. After dinner, their friends expressed interest in going to the TGI Fridays bar for a couple of drinks. Melanie was not thrilled as she would prefer to go walk on the beach.

She whispered to Justin, "can we please not go to the bar?"

He replied, "Okay, how about we take a walk on the beach, then we can meet our friends at the bar later."

Melanie agreed and they headed to the beach. It was a beautiful summer evening on Lake Erie. They walked down the shore for a while before Justin said "Oh no, what is that??"

Melanie not paying attention (of course) said "What? The Jet Skis? Are they new??

Justin said "No, don't you see the lit-up sign?"

Melanie sees the "Marry Me" sign and proceeds to cry and hyperventilate in shock and excitement. The moment she waited for was finally here.

They arrive at the "Marry Me" sign surrounded by candles and rose pedals. Justin recites his speech and gets down on his knee for the big "Will you Marry Me?"

Melanie cries out "yes"! Easiest decision she's ever made. The coolest part was the riders on the WindSeeker watched and cheered for them as they descended from the ride.

She then waves to the photographer and notices a man in disguise taking a video, quickly realizing, it was her step-dad Eric. Then comes her mom, Justin's family, and friends who had been hiding the entire time. The night ended with lots of hugs, tears, and celebrating on the beach.

Little did she know, Justin was planning this for months.