Our Story

Cecilia and Dennis met in August of 2023 during the weekend of Mary and Aidan Wheeler’s wedding. Their connection was immediate and impossible to ignore, and both began to believe in love at first sight.

After the three days of talking and laughing and dancing had passed, Cecilia finished her summer in New York and Dennis in Michigan.

Shortly after, Dennis moved to Alexandria, Virginia, and Cecilia moved back to San Diego to finish her final year of college. After a few very lengthy phone calls where they got to know each other a bit better, they started dating (long distance) in October of 2023.

San Diego to Virginia, and Virginia to San Diego, quickly became commonly traveled routes. With every visit (and the days in between, which passed slowly to the point that they seemed to be endless), Cecilia and Dennis grew closer, despite the distance. What had begun during that long weekend in August was now a deeply shared and committed love.

This period culminated in May of 2024 with a cross country road trip. After Cecilia visited Yosemite and various parks between California and Montana, Dennis joined Cecilia in Montana, and the two explored Glacier, Yellowstone, and the Tetons together before Dennis flew home and Cecilia continued her journey east. By the grace of God, the two made it safely through a Rocky Mountain snow storm, tire trouble, and a bucket lying in the middle of the highway that was quite nearly devastating.

Thus began their season of shorter long distance - from New Berlin, New York, to Virginia. With a 6 hour flight giving way to a 6 hour drive, the two spent many summer days together at the farm, working the Hamilton Farmer’s Market, and hiking in the Adirondacks.

The fall of 2024 was a time of exploration. The two journeyed up and down the east coast, from New York City to Shenandoah to Charleston, South Carolina, and making plans for Cecilia to move down to northern Virginia in January. During this time, Dennis started making plans to propose to Cecilia, including a secret trip to New York to speak with her father.

At long last, Dennis proposed to Cecilia on December 6, 2024, in front of the restaurant at which they had their first-ever date, and the two proceeded to enjoy a romantic dinner - their first as an engaged couple.

Today, they’re looking forward to celebrating their wedding on August 9th, and are counting the days until they begin their lives as one. They are constantly thankful for the many blessings God has given them, and ask that you will pray for them as they prepare to commit their lives to one another.