We met each other five years ago by Match.com.

From the beginning of our communication there was a special connection. As we learned more about each other, we discovered that our lives had crossed and we had close connections before meeting. We both were at Ohio State at the same time, lived on the same street, and several of our friends new each other…but we never met. We joke around how that was probably a good thing! We both needed to grow and explore, and become the people we are now. The timing was actually perfect. We got engaged one year after we met and have been continuing to grow and explore and build a life together.

ABOUT US

Writing about yourself, that’s an easy task right?

I do not know where to start. The best way to get to know me is ask! I am an open book; I like to say what’s on my mind. Since you do not have that luxury, I will try to describe myself best I can.

I think the best quality anyone can have is being “real”. That word can mean many different things to many different people, but that is what I strive to be. I take pride in trying to get to know another individual, and the best way is to communicate with another, and to get to know them; put yourself in their shoes.

I work for the family businesses. We are involved in a couple different fields within CNC manufacturing. It is interesting work, some of it involving complex engineering. It is great to work for yourself, but like any job it gets stressfull! Have you ever worked with a family member? Can you imagine? In saying that my work allows me the freedom and financial support to raise a family and live a happy life. Now in saying all this, I also like to have fun. Work hard, play hard! I like to try different things and live life to the fullest. Reading, traveling, cooking, enjoying friends, dominating my wife in board games (which sometimes happens), stretching the limit with good friends, and trying to act like a college kid at 40 when going to Columbus for buckeyes games.

about JUSTIN

I grew up an only child with divorced parents. 

They separated when I was six and I lived primarily with my mother, and saw my father every other weekend.

Some of my favorite memories from my childhood are: spending a couple weeks in the summer on my grandparent’s (on my mom’s side) dairy farm in Wisconsin. I played with my cousins, built forts out of bails of hay, fed the baby cows, and helped my grandparents. My other grandparents lived in West Virginia, and every summer they would take me and my cousin to Myrtle Beach for a week. I feel so blessed that I was able to spend quality time with my grandparents and cousins, and to have also spent time on a farm, in the mountains, and on the beach.

I studied Architecture at Ohio State were I got my bachelor’s degree. The program was intense and I spent a lot time in studio with my classmates. I did find time to enjoy more the typical college experience and loved every moment. After I graduated, I worked for an architecture firm in Columbus, and after several years, grew restless for a new adventure. For me to become licensed as an architect, I had to get my master’s degree. I saw this as an opportunity for a new adventure! I had never been to the pacific northwest and decided to attend the University of Oregon, Portland.

I packed up a 16′ moving truck and drove across country with my good friend, mom, and dog Portia. During grad school I created strong friendships with a group that I am still close to today. Living in Portland was a wonderful experience, but after graduation the economy was not good and I had to look for jobs in other states, which took me to Boston. I worked downtown and on the weekends, friends and I would explore the city, hike in the mountains, drive up to Maine, or down to Rhode Island, and spend time on the coast.

After a couple years, I decided that I was ready to move back home to Cleveland. Soon after, I met Justin.

ABOUT STEPHANIE

NOVA – Nova is a 4 1/2 year old whippet and a constant source of energy and love.

She loves people and is very good with little kids.

Nova’s favorite things are: zoomies in the back yard (she is very fast!), weekend morning snuggles in bed, laying in sun spots, and morning walks.

HOME – One of the reasons we bought the home where we did, is because of the community around it. Our city offers many amenities and services along with continually ranking in the top 10 schools in Ohio.

Our street terminates with a cul-de-sac, and has only 10 other houses. We know the majority of our neighbors and feel fortunate that we all get along and help each out. During the spring and summer, our neighborhood is alive with kids playing outside, cookouts, and neighbors stopping to chat with each other while they are out for a walk. The back third of our lot is wooded, and we have a mixed community of wildlife. The deer claim it as their land.

We are looking forward to growing our small family and building on our traditions, as well as, creating new ones.

ABOUT our home/pets