Oden + Janelle Photographers

july 9, 2022

melissa + joshua

OUR LOVE STORY

Joshua James and Melissa Jean met almost 5 years ago in the quaint city of Bettendorf, Iowa while Melissa was home for winter break from college, and Josh had just finished school at St. Ambrose University. They had met online and had agreed to a simple movie date indoors safe from the winter weather of that early January day. From their first date it was clear their love was not like anything they had felt before. The two got into a car crash on their way to see La La Land in theatres and immediately the date had made an impact.

While Josh was worried that there would be no second date or even an end to the first, Melissa had already begun falling for Josh as soon as she noticed his instinct to protect her upon impact. Almost five beautiful years have passed since that fateful first date. From years of long distance, while Josh moved to St. Louis for graduate school and work opportunities, and Melissa finished college at the University of Iowa, to serious illness and grad school, and of course, the global pandemic, a lot has tried to run their relationship over. However, nothing could crush their love or get in their path towards one another.

As Covid began to ease and vaccinations were widespread, the couple decided to go to California to celebrate Josh’s graduation earning his doctorate degree, and Melissa’s graduation from her master’s program as well as see some family. Little did Melissa know that an engagement was in the works, 6 months in the making, with a ring Josh had helped design himself.

While planning their dream vacation to celebrate all their recent accomplishments, Josh and Melissa decided to take a drive down California’s coast on a road known as the 101 to drive by ocean and mountainside views. On the drive, their big stop was to stop at a tourist site called Big Sur, which had apparently undeniable sights. But the day they went it was crowded and hard to see any famous landmarks. So, they kept driving. A few minutes pass and Josh sees a look out point. The water was a magnificent blue and the mountains grandiose and illuminating on the other side. He tells Melissa, “Hey sweetie, let’s stop and take some pictures. I want you to look as though you are watching the horizon facing your back towards me. Okay, great, now turn around”.

When Melissa turned, she immediately burst into tears. Josh was on his knee, a ring in a box open in his hands. A well-prepared speech to ask her for her hand in marriage was said next, but Melissa could barely hear it over her mind screaming yes over and over. He had his heart beaming with joy in the palm of his hands, and Melissa was there to gladly say yes and begin their life together.

We are so excited to announce our engagement and share our love story, and we hope you can accompany us on our wedding at the Grand Traverse City Resort and Spa in Traverse, Michigan on July 9, 2022.

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registry info

reception: to follow

Ceremony:
The Private Beach Club, East Grand Traverse Bay. At the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Free Shuttle provided on Resort property all over the resort and free parking at the resort for all attending the wedding

Reception:
To Follow in the Tower Hotel in the Michigan Ballroom on the main floor of the Grand Traverse Hotel and Spa. Free parking at the resort for all attending the wedding and free shuttle provided for all resort locations.

grand traverse resort

100 Grand Traverse Blvd, Acme, MI 49610
(231) 534-6000