Melissa and Joe

June 28, 2025 • Bothell, WA
34 Days To Go!

Melissa and Joe

June 28, 2025 • Bothell, WA
34 Days To Go!

A Tale of Optimism and Magic

Melissa and Joe's story began through a shared love of music, crossing paths at not one, not two, but three different venues across two states in the span of a month. By the third meeting, it seemed like fate had a plan. Melissa, curious and competitive, asked Joe to teach her how to play Magic: The Gathering, even spending the night before watching YouTube tutorials to get the basics down. They met for their first date at Optimism Brewery, which felt fitting—after all, their story was built on chance encounters and a lot of hope. Joe unknowingly wore a shirt from Melissa's favorite artist, and after a couple of rounds of Magic, Melissa suggested heading to 8oz Burgers, unaware that cheeseburgers were Joe's favorite meal. From that night on, it was clear they were well-suited for each other—Joe's easygoing nature balancing Melissa's curiosity and excitement for life's little adventures. Together, they’ve been writing a story filled with serendipity and laughter ever since.

At a pool party in Las Vegas Joe recognizes Melissa from the Seattle music scene and introduces himself. Later Melissa spots Joe in the background of her friends' group photo.

June 16, 2019

At a pool party in Las Vegas Joe recognizes Melissa from the Seattle music scene and introduces himself. Later Melissa spots Joe in the background of her friends' group photo.
Melissa & Joe take their first trip together: hiking and backpacking around the Olympic Peninsula.  They realize they have similar mindsets when conforting unexpected hiccups along the way.

July 21, 2019

Melissa & Joe take their first trip together: hiking and backpacking around the Olympic Peninsula. They realize they have similar mindsets when conforting unexpected hiccups along the way.
Joe, Mel, and Amie move to Alki, getting closer than ever as lockdown is announced shortly after.  Long walks on the beach and Animal Crossing become favorite pastimes in the household.

March 01, 2020

Joe, Mel, and Amie move to Alki, getting closer than ever as lockdown is announced shortly after. Long walks on the beach and Animal Crossing become favorite pastimes in the household.
Joe and Mel buy their first house, a fixer upper in West Seattle. Since then, they have been tirelessly working on updating it and making it their home.

September 11, 2021

Joe and Mel buy their first house, a fixer upper in West Seattle. Since then, they have been tirelessly working on updating it and making it their home.
Joe proposes to Melissa on a walk to their favorite viewpoint in the neighborhood. She is caught completely by surprise, and of course, says yes.

February 14, 2022

Joe proposes to Melissa on a walk to their favorite viewpoint in the neighborhood. She is caught completely by surprise, and of course, says yes.
Joe and Melissa hold a small elopement ceremony at Lincoln Park, minutes away from their house.

July 11, 2022

Joe and Melissa hold a small elopement ceremony at Lincoln Park, minutes away from their house.
Joe & Mel meet Duckie and are immediately smitten. She wiggled her way into their laps and hearts.

October 05, 2024

Joe & Mel meet Duckie and are immediately smitten. She wiggled her way into their laps and hearts.