Like so many love stories these days, ours began with a swipe—but we never imagined where that one simple “like” would lead. Kayla “liked” Jared first on Hinge, and although Jared claims he was already over online dating (after all of one week on the app!), something about Kayla’s profile made him stop scrolling and say hello.

They started talking on July 10, 2025, and just six days later met for their first date at Red Bird Bistro in Cedar Springs. Jared arrived with a single pink rose—a small gesture that made a lasting first impression. Add in effortless conversation, and it was the perfect beginning to our story.

From that first date on, life seemed to move at lightning speed—in the very best way.

Between commuting from Hudsonville to Cedar Springs, traveling, kids’ activities, and making time for each other whenever they could, they quickly became part of each other’s everyday lives.

In only two months, they had already created enough memories to fill an entire year. Whether it was time in South Haven with Kayla’s parents, walking the Mackinac Bridge during the Labor Day Bridge Walk, cheering at soccer games, attending a wedding and comedy show, or exploring places like Holland State Park, Rockford, downtown Grand Rapids, Petoskey, Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, every adventure brought them closer together.

Anyone who knows us knows we don’t do life halfway. We jumped headfirst into each other’s worlds—families, friends, traditions, road trips, and everything in between. Blending two lives (and two families!) hasn’t always been without challenges, but every obstacle has only strengthened our relationship. We’ve learned to communicate well, laugh often, and choose each other every single day.

Looking back, it’s hard to believe everything we’ve packed into such a short time. Every mile traveled, every family gathering, every soccer game, every road trip, and every ordinary day together has reminded us how grateful we are that God brought our paths together. He brought us together at exactly the right time, and what began as a simple “like” on Hinge became an answer to prayers we didn’t even know we were praying.

Thank you for being part of our story. We are so excited to celebrate this special day with the people we love most as we begin our greatest adventure yet.