How did the two of you meet?
On December 20, 2010, Heather started a new job at a technology company and met Jean-Paul. She was new to the industry and was eager to learn. Sitting alone at her new desk, JP came by often to make Heather feel welcome. Heather felt it was nice to get to know someone in the industry that could often help answer questions and JP was happy to have someone new to talk to.
As their positions did not really intersect, JP would often make up reasons to come by Heather’s desk to chat (never really about work). They would often chat about music, family and their interests and found that they had a lot in common. As the months passed, JP and Heather developed a good friendship, but neither was available to move the relationship to next level.
Joy is something we experienced with one another before we even began dating and that element is something important we carry into our relationship every day.
One day out of the blue, Heather heard that JP was leaving the company and was devastated. She felt like she lost her new best friend. They told each other that they would keep in touch, but like many they found it difficult. They both thought about each other often and would occasionally e-mail, but eventually the days turned to weeks and then to months.
Seven months after last seeing each other, Heather was speaking with a co-worker about whether anyone had heard from JP and wondering what had happened to him. The co-worker suggested that Heather text him to see what he was up to.
JP responded right away (!), he was happy to hear from Heather as he thought the friendship had faded. JP suggested that they meet up the following week for drinks and to catch up. At the restaurant, JP admitted he had a crush when they worked together, but he did not want to strain the good friendship they had at the time. Now however, JP felt that if Heather was willing to reach out to him after several months, there must have been something more between them. JP asked if Heather was free for dinner the following night and they have been together ever since…
Give us the proposal details! When? Where? How?
JP had determined that our 5th Anniversary was the right time to propose, November 26, 2016. Like every year, our plan was to go to the Caribbean for our anniversary, so we booked our trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. JP had the perfect plan to propose, walking along the beach under the beautiful sun with the wind blowing off the ocean. It was not to be.
When we arrived at the resort it was raining and it continued to rain all day and night. 3 days into the trip JP was beginning to worry that it would never stop raining and his proposal would be ruined. JP continued to carry the ring in his pocket every day waiting for the perfect chance. Finally, the rain stopped. It was still gloomy and a little chilly, but Heather suggested they go for a walk alone on the beach. JP thought this may be his only opportunity as they had been trapped in the lobby bar for most of the week. Soon after they began to walk, JP asked her right there barefoot in the sand. Of course the clouds cleared up soon after and the weather was amazing for the rest of the trip!
What has been your favorite experience planning the wedding?
Shopping for my wedding dress with my mom was a very special day for me.
How do you stay sane under the pressures of wedding planning?
Spending time with our 2 rescue beagles, Dallas and Hunter.
How did you hear about Joy?
We found it online as we were looking for a new place to host our wedding website.
What is your favorite part of using Joy for your wedding?
As we are doing a destination wedding, Joy makes it easy for us to share all important travel and logistical details with our guests, plus we can also keep track of our guest list.
What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they use Joy to its fullest potential?
Start working on your wedding website right away at the beginning of your wedding planning.
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
Joy is something we experienced with one another before we even began dating and that element is something important we carry into our relationship every day.
