How it began
Our Story
It began on 12.12.21 — a date that quickly became more than just numbers — and it's only just the beginning.
12 · 12 · 21
How It Began
Stephanie and Andy's story began on December 12, 2021—a date that quickly became much more than just a day on the calendar. From the moment they met, there was an undeniable ease between them, and what started as a simple connection soon grew into something truly special. Andy made his intentions clear from the very beginning: he wasn't leaving their first date without a second one planned. Before the night was over, he had already arranged their next outing and purchased tickets to a hockey game just minutes from Stephanie's home in Estero. It was the beginning of countless adventures, experiences, and memories they would share together.
The Little Things
By their fifth date, Stephanie and Andy were making homemade pizza together—a simple evening that perfectly reflected what their relationship would become: easy, fun, and centered around enjoying life's little moments together. Just three months later, they packed their bags for a spontaneous ski trip to Breckenridge, Colorado. What started as a last-minute getaway quickly became one of their favorite traditions, turning into an annual Colorado ski adventure and laying the foundation for a shared love of travel. From that point on, exploring new places, chasing new experiences, and making memories together became one of the cornerstones of their relationship.
A surprise from Andy
Falling for Jekyll
Early in their relationship, Andy surprised Stephanie with a trip to Jekyll Island. From the moment they arrived, there was something special about it. The quiet beaches, moss-draped oak trees, and slower pace felt unlike anywhere else they had been. Andy had planned every detail, including a biplane tour over the coastline that gave them a breathtaking view of the island they were quickly falling in love with.
As they were leaving that trip, Andy looked at Stephanie and said, “I want to marry you here someday.”
What seemed like a passing comment became a dream they quietly carried with them.
Two years later, Andy brought Stephanie back to Jekyll Island for her birthday. By then, the island had become more than a favorite destination—it had become part of their story. This time, he arranged for a photographer to capture their time together, preserving memories in a place that already felt like home.
Over the years, Jekyll Island became the backdrop for countless memories, celebrations, and dreams about the future.
And now, three years after that first visit, they are back in the place where the dream began—surrounded by the people they love most, beginning the next chapter of their story together.
This is why Jekyll feels like ours.
Building a Life Together
As the years passed, their relationship grew through a shared love of adventure, new experiences, and building a life together. Whether they were traveling to a new destination, renovating a home, or pursuing a new investment opportunity, they discovered that their favorite projects were the ones they tackled side by side.
Along the way, they flipped homes, invested in real estate, and even spent four months living in one of their rental properties while renovating their own home. While it wasn't always easy, those experiences taught them patience, teamwork, and the importance of finding humor in the unexpected.
Through every challenge and every adventure, they learned just how much they enjoyed building things together—not just homes and businesses, but a life they were both proud of. Each project, trip, and milestone brought them closer, strengthening the partnership that would become the foundation of their future.
03 · 28 · 2026
The Proposal
On March 28, 2026, Andy proposed in one of Stephanie's favorite places—Zion National Park. After a breathtaking hike through the red rock cliffs and towering mountains, he got down on one knee overlooking one of the most beautiful views they had ever seen.
With no cell service and hours before they could share the news with family and friends, they were able to simply be present in the moment. For a little while, it belonged only to them.
It was the perfect reflection of their relationship—an adventure, a beautiful view, and a memory they would never forget.
And, of course, she said yes.
What's Ahead
Now, as they begin this next chapter, Stephanie and Andy are most excited about what lies ahead. More adventures to take, more places to explore, more dreams to chase, and more memories to make together.
They know life won't always be perfect, but they also know they can handle whatever comes their way—as they always have—side by side.
Because their story isn't defined by a single trip, a home renovation, a proposal, or even a wedding day. It's found in all the moments they've shared, the life they've built together, and the future they're creating one adventure at a time.
And the best part? Their greatest adventure is just beginning.
And so, forever begins…
And they can't wait to celebrate this next chapter with you in Jekyll Island.
See the Weekend