How did the two of you meet?
We met on a dating website, and were immediately drawn to each other because of our shared interests in running and history. After chatting online for a few weeks, we met up for coffee, which turned into a 4-hour chat. We decided to pick up where we left off on a run the next day.
Give us the proposal details! When? Where? How?
Stephen and I were on our usual Saturday morning run when we took a detour up a steep trail that we had never explored before. I didn’t think much of it, because Stephen’s spontaneity is one of the reasons I love spending time with him. Once we’d reached the top, he led me to a lookout. I noticed that there was a basket with blankets, a thermos, mugs, and a single rose sitting on the lone bench that boasted a gorgeous view of the river valley. I immediately knew something was up, and waited in anticipation as he poured us hot chocolate and handed me the rose. After we had warmed up a little, Stephen got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes, and we spent a few minutes reveling in the moment before finishing our run. I could not have planned it better myself.
Stephanie Cragg
What has been your favorite experience planning the wedding?
Writing our own vows and drafting the finer details of our ceremony.
How do you stay sane under the pressures of wedding planning?
As we get closer to the date, it seems as if every conversation revolves around the wedding. We try to take one evening a week to just focus on ourselves and the activities we enjoy. Wedding talk is not allowed on these dates.
Stephanie Cragg
What is your favorite part of using Joy for your wedding?
We get to have our photos, story, ceremony details, and guest list all in one place. We also enjoy the fact that we can customize the wedding page to our liking, and guests can learn more about different aspects of our relationship when they RSVP.
What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they use Joy to its fullest potential?
We found that reading about the features and opportunities available on this site before building our event page was immensely helpful. The blog and sample event page also provide wonderful inspiration if you’re still undecided about details and themes.
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
We often get caught up in planning the wedding that we forget that the marriage is what really matters in the long run. The relationship still needs attention even when most of our focus is on planning the party, and I think it is crucial to keep that in mind. It’s easier to let go of the smaller details when you consider the big picture.
Stephanie Cragg
