It all began about two years ago when we matched on the dating app Hinge. At the time, neither of us could have imagined how much our lives were about to change. Courtney had nearly given up on finding “her person,” and Justin was getting ready to move back home to Washington State. What we thought would start as casual connection quickly turned into something far more meaningful.


After Justin moved back to Washington, we spent the summer navigating a long-distance relationship. Those months only confirmed what we already knew—our connection was something truly special, and being apart wasn’t an option. While the distance was tough, it strengthened our bond and deepened our appreciation for each other.


Since then, we’ve shared countless laughs and adventures, but one of our favorite memories will always be our first date. Over sushi, Justin spotted a mouse in the restaurant. Courtney thought he was joking (or maybe looking for a creative excuse to bail), but sure enough, the mouse made another appearance by the end of the night! Instead of ruining the evening, it gave us an inside joke we still laugh about.


From that first date, we quickly discovered how much we have in common. From a shared love of coffee to a passion for rescuing animals, we’ve only grown closer. These days, we dream of one day having a big yard where we can welcome as many dogs as possible. But what really brought us together, are the deeper qualities we admire in each other—resilience, compassion, and a shared appreciation for life’s little moments.


As we get ready to say “I do,” we’re so grateful to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by the friends and family who mean the world to us. Our journey has been full of surprises, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!