Rebecca and Josh’s story began when they both took a chance and swiped right on one another in the late summer of 2021. Josh was gearing up for a new school year and Rebecca was working 12-hour night shifts, but they agreed to meet up for a little walk around the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. The conversations were easy and the silences in between were soothing. Their walk ended with an elaborate story of a fictional man named Todd who enjoyed Iowa City’s bar scene and practicing his birdcalls. They exchanged numbers and Josh waited a customary couple of hours to message Rebecca (Rebecca believed that Josh was ghosting her).

They officially started dating in August and continue to debate who asked who out first. Going on walks, cooking together, and cuddling on the couch were the foundations of their relationship. Josh appreciated Rebecca’s kind heart and infectious smile. Rebecca appreciated the way Josh made her laugh. Josh was the first to say “I love you,” but prefaced the statement with, “I hope this doesn’t make brunch awkward.” Rebecca immediately thought Josh was about to break up with her and never fails to remind him of his confusing choice of words.

Josh knew he wanted to marry Rebecca after spending a weekend getaway with her in a little cabin in the middle of nowhere. With the help of Rebecca’s friends, Kayla and Erin, Josh re-created a scene from Rebecca’s favorite film, Tangled, and proposed in the spring of 2023.

From Disney World to a week-long cruise, Rebecca and Josh’s relationship has been one of constant adventure. And on November 2nd, 2024, the next part of their adventure begins: marriage.