Cross Creek Ranch

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

From Matched.com to Matched For Life Given that Steph and I are such traditionalists, it won't surprise you all to know that we met in the most traditional setting.....the internet! It all started with Match.com — the digital land of eternal hope, weird profile pictures, and bios full of “I love to laugh”. She sent a message that was suspiciously smooth. I replied with something as equally smooth(at least I think so). This was enough to spark a "let's meet"! Our first date? Equal parts nerve racking and amazing. I showed up early trying to look chill but had rehearsed pretend conversations in my car. She arrived with that unmistakable glow of “I’m all sorts of nervous and please don't fall”! It wasn't long before we were deep diving into our pasts, wants, hobbies, expectations, etc. This is when I went deeper into detail about how I had a kid named Jaken — who, by the way, would later become the ultimate sidekick and unofficial vibe-checker of the relationship. Despite the nerves, something just clicked. We realized pretty quickly that we had found something special in this. We pushed forward with many more dates, concerts, meeting each other's families, long talks, etc. We reached a point where we decided it was time to take the ultimate test and move in together. Of course, this meant Steph had to face the "final boss"....Jaken. Just kidding...Jaken gave his seal of approval after approximately three hangouts, one movie, and a shared Foo Fighters concert. Honestly, winning him over was the real test, and luckily, someone passed (with extra credit). Fast-forward through:Laugh attacks during “serious” conversationsLearning about prayer to hospitals(IYKYK)Countless dances in the kitchenA handful of overly competitive family game nightsAnd an ongoing debate about how a person can fall in slow motion...and bada bing! We're getting married!! We’re getting married — not because life is perfect, but because it’s so much better with each other in it. In all seriousness, I had decided to put my dating life on hold when I got custody of Jaken. Reaching a point where I was ready to move forward and find my person was exciting and a bit scary. I put a lot of prayer into this and trusted God to bring the right woman into my world. Not surprisingly, He did just that. We are both amazed at how well we mesh and how well our lives have melded together so effortlessly and seamlessly. We can't wait to start our married journey together and are beyond ecstatic to share the beginning of that with all of you at our wedding! Steph and Joel!

Our Story

Photos

Amy Seymour

Jaken Powell

Shannon Williams

Heath Hull

Dawn Gorlitz

Chris Gorlitz

Linsey Masters

Jentry Powell

Father Fred

The Wedding Crew

Registry

Q + A

Travel

Things to Do

La Quinta Inn &amp; Suites by Wyndham- Wylie2210 W FM 544, Wylie, TX 75098(469) 969-0911 Holiday Inn Express And Suites Wylie630 Sanden Boulevard, Wylie, TX 75098(469) 543-0009 Comfort Inn &amp; Suites Wylie2011 S State Hwy 78, Wylie, TX 75098(972) 429-1771

Nearby Hotels

Stephanie & Joel

Stephanie & Joel

Registry