Melissa + John | Winter Wedding at the BMI | Baltimore, MD | Photography by Brea

Melissa and John‘s wedding this past Friday had it all: snow flurries, a water taxi ride, greek dancing, jello shots, love and laughter with their friends and family… and it all took place in the glow of the Domino Sugar Sign at the Baltimore Museum of Industry! I’m excited to share highlights on the blog today!

From The Couple:

Little did either of us realize how much our lives were going to change since that fateful dinner in 2020. COVID was going strong then, and the future seemed unknown, but we were just happy they gave drinks to go. As we started to get to know each other better, we would also start to put down roots in places we didn’t expect, make good lasting friendships everywhere, and visit corners of the world that was all that more fun because we did it together.

One thing we know, wherever we go, we have fun and enjoy every minute being together.

From Melissa:

I remember my first interaction with John was him making fun of me because I went to Kings Point, his “rival school,” whereas I responded I barely even noticed that there was a maritime collage across the Long Island Sound: SUNY Maritime. Although our lives were very different then, I always knew that John truly cared about the people around him, even as he tormented them incessantly. After my departure from that job, our paths crossed randomly (most of the time while transitioning through the parking lot), but each time he always asked about my family and things that even I forgot about.

One day in early summer 2020, I saw that John messaged me just saying “Hi. How have you been?” I ignored it since I was very busy with work at the time. After two more messages, I finally replied and we chatted for a short while. He asked if I wanted to go to lunch or dinner to get caught up on life, and I figured…. “Why not. It’s just John.”

What I didn’t fully understand at the time was what a planner John was. Before I knew it, we had another fun day of hiking and wine tastings planned for the future, even before that first dinner. Flowers arrived at my doorstep, which kept arriving every month for a year. We grew closer as we explore our love of the boat and being on the water.

As I got to know John more and more, I learned how big his heart really was and how much he loved his family, even behind the “tough” exterior and his incessant tormenting of those around him. Although I didn’t know it at the time, our dinner on July 30th, 2020 was the start of the next chapter of both of our lives that is now being written together. I am grateful to God that he brought my best friend into my life at the perfect time and perfect place.

From John:

Melissa and I first met in 2010 when she transferred from San Diego to Naval Reactors in Washington DC. Despite the unfortunate fact Melissa attended Kings Point, she and I developed a friendship. After completing her tour at Naval Reactors in 2015, Melissa transferred to Naval Sea Systems Command and, as our careers went in different directions, we lost touch.

In May 2020, I saw a post from Melissa on Facebook and took a chance and reached out to see how she was doing. After ignoring my messages for a couple of weeks, I took one last chance and messaged her late on July 27th, and to my surprise – and her misfortune – she responded immediately. We started chatting and planned to meet for dinner Thursday, July 30th. We met for dinner at Mike’s American Grill in Springfield. I knew Melissa and I were meant to be together when she ordered a neat bourbon before dinner. Since that dinner our relationship, bond, and friendship continue to blossom.

Because of Melissa’s belief in me and support, I have been able to grow as a person and accomplish things I never thought possible. I am grateful and blessed that the Lord has brought this Angel into my life and I cannot wait for us to join our families and show our children there is hope and second chances in life.

The Wedding

There’s a lot of text already on this post so I’ll do my best to keep my part brief. As you can see above just from reading Melissa and John’s perspectives on their story, these two are very special. I have absolutely loved getting to know them and their dynamic. From the first time we met in person, I felt like John and Melissa really had opened their hearts to me and let me into their lives fully. Especially since John also tormented me too. (Side Note: I don’t think I’ve ever said “you’re fine” to a complaining nag at a wedding more than I did to John on Friday, and it was all in good fun on both sides). This day was a good reminder after a very busy year that this is why we love what we do. We get to meet wonderful people, and be by their sides while they’re enveloped in love. It’s the best. Here are just some of the highlights from an incredible day.