Courtney & Jeremy
May 5, 2023 · Whittier, NC
Our Story
Jeremy and Courtney met in undergrad at James Madison University. They were the same major throughout their four years at school, however after meeting one time freshman year on the volleyball courts they somehow managed to not cross paths again until the very end of their senior years. They ran into each other at a nearby college bar (shout-out Backcountry!!) and something truly felt different and instantaneous about their connection. Within a few hours of dancing the night away, Courtney asked Jeremy to be her date to her upcoming formal.
From that night on, they were inseparable. They graduated a few months later, sitting next to each other in the pouring rain in the middle of the JMU football stadium. While their future seemed uncertain as they went their separate ways to NC and NJ, Jeremy promised Courtney they would continue to see each other and make the distance work. After 3 months of upholding that promise, he asked her to be his girlfriend on July 5th. That Christmas, Jeremy gifted her the key to his apartment, and asked her to move in with him.
For the last four years, Courtney and Jeremy have lived together in North Carolina with their dog Lexi. They have each went on to earn their Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, and are now starting their dream of working in travel therapy while adventuring across the country together.
After more than 5 years together, we are so excited to celebrate with you all as we continue to write our love story on May 5th, 2023.
The
Proposal
Jeremy had proposed the idea that the two of them should take a trip somewhere at the end of summer. After doing some planning, they flew out to Colorado and rented a conversion van to drive through the Rocky Mountains.
On the morning of August 17th, Jeremy decided today was the day. He was going to propose on a hike when the time felt right. They picked a hike in Buena Vista and headed out.
Within a quarter mile of beginning their hike, they were completely lost. After an hour of walking in circles trying to find tree markers to get them back on track, they ran into another woman who had also lost her way. Her name was Virginia* (where they met), and she was originally from Maryland* (where Jeremy is from). She now lived in the area and offered to drive them back to their van and lead them up the mountain to a very beautiful (and much less confusing) hike that she knew of. They followed her up to the top and were immediately blown away by the breathtaking view. Jeremy pointed to the highest point of the trail he could see and said, “let’s go up there!”.
After reaching the top and admiring the 360 degree view of the Rockies, a woman asked them if they’d like their picture taken together. Jeremy told Courtney to pick a spot for the photo while he gave the woman his phone. After grabbing his phone (and the ring) from his bag, he whispered to the woman asking her to take a video, and joined Courtney’s side. After posing for the “picture” for a few seconds, she suddenly found him on his knee, asking her to marry him.
Virginia was also there to witness this incredibly special moment. She shared in their celebration and congratulated them, and shortly after seemingly disappeared* on the trail. To this day, Jeremy and Courtney call Virginia their Guardian Angel; coming in to save them when they were lost, and leading them to where they were meant to be for this unforgettable moment.
