They say that some love stories are written in the stars, and I’d like to think ours is no exception. Surrounded by loved ones, Matt and I said “We do” at our cherished church in an intimate summer ceremony. Our microwedding ended with an afternoon reception at Rat’s Restaurant, nestled within the enchanting Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. Our journey to Saturday, July 15, 2023, started many moons ago when we were just teenagers working as camp counselors. Little did we know that our summer romance would evolve into a love story for the ages, rekindled in a most unexpected and magical way. I’m here to provide the SparkNotes version, complete with pictures!
Chapter 1: A Summer Camp Love
Picture it: summer, 2002. I was a rising freshman; Matt was a sophomore at the regional high school. We worked side by side at our town’s summer camp program. As camp counselors, we shared lots of laughs and an innocent love. I was drawn to Matt’s surfer-styled blond hair and baby blue eyes, a starch contrast to my sunkissed skin and black curls. A spark ignited between us as we reached into the camp closet for Old Maid playing cards and board games. That summer, we found something truly special… but all good things must come to an end.
Chapter 2: Paths Diverge
After our summer romance, life led us down separate paths. Matt attended our regional high school while I went to a vocational school a few towns away for medicine. He played soccer; I played field hockey. Matt attended Ramapo College; I chose Rutgers University. We each experienced life’s ups and downs, navigating its twists and turns without the other. Despite the passing years, the memories of that unforgettable summer at camp stayed with us, cherished but tucked away. I wouldn’t know it until years later, but Matt kept tabs on me, hoping to one day finish what we started all those years ago.
Chapter 3: A Second Chance
Life has a funny way of bringing people back together. In 2018, I found myself divorced from a cheating spouse. I was focused on picking up the pieces, healing the hurt, and loving my little family. Fate had a surprise in store! A whole pandemic later, after facing the heartache of a failed marriage, I found myself on a path of rediscovery. That’s when Matt reached out, asking about some socially-distanced smores; it didn’t happen. But Lord, when a man knows what he wants, he will persist! Matt again slid into my DMs, rekindling the connection we once had.
Chapter 4: Rediscovering Each Other
I told a friend I was meeting Matt for drinks. “Oh, so it’s a date?!” they enthusiastically asked. “Definitely not a date!” is what I said. Y’all, I was so oblivious! What began as a simple meet-up for drinks turned into 4 (yes, four!) happy hours. A journey of getting to know one another again followed, but this time as adults who had experienced life’s challenges and growth. Our conversations were filled with laughter, shared interests, and a newfound appreciation for the people we had become. It didn’t feel like dating; it felt familiar and friendly… and that was exactly what my heart longed for in a mate!
Chapter 5: The Magic of Love
As we rekindled our friendship, it became evident that something magical was happening between us. I took Matt to Grounds for Sculpture for a birthday date. He had never been before and it is a cool, artsy outdoor space to explore. As natural as the scenery was, I blurted out three little words with big meaning. It honestly took us both by surprise; we didn’t speak about it again until the car ride home. We were no longer the teenagers we once were; we were adults, and our connection was deeper and more profound than ever before. Love was in the air, and this time, it was here to stay. On a cold winter night in February 2023, Matt brought me back to Grounds for Sculpture and asked a very serious, very important question. I said yes, and we began to plan forever, together.
Chapter 6: The Dream Wedding
On a beautiful but hot summer Saturday, we stood before our loved ones at Liquid Church’s Princeton Meadow campus, exchanging heartfelt vows and committing to a lifetime of love. Our celebration continued with 30 of our closest family and friends at Rat’s Restaurant, where joy, laughter, and dancing filled the air. Rat’s is located on location at Grounds for Sculpture, encouraging guests to take in the artwork that drew us in months prior. (Sensing a pattern, yet?)
Our love story proves that destiny has a way of guiding two souls meant to be together. God is so good, y’all. I am reminded of His promises: “I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your seed greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. Your seed will possess the gate of his enemies. In your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice” (Genesis 22:17-18). Stay true to the course He has paved for you!
Trust the process. From that fateful summer at camp to this wedded day of happiness, we’ve experienced a love that has grown, evolved, and withstood the test of time. As husband and wife, we embrace the adventures, challenges, and joys that life has in store for us. With hearts full of love and gratitude, we eagerly anticipate what the future holds – hand in hand, forever and always.
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