They say laughter is one of the main ingredients for a long-lasting marriage. We are certain that Jessica and Steven know how to laugh.

Their meeting was not a conventional one and actually quite a funny story. Steven’s ex-girlfriend was one of Jessica’s best friends. One night, they had a girls’ night sleepover, and she called Steven to give him Jessica’s number because she thought that they would be a match! They exchanged numbers and texted for about a week before their first date. Little did they know, that date would start the beginnings of their furever love.

Love can always suprise you

Their first date

Their first date was at Dairy Queen in February in a Niagara Falls, NY winter, lol. Did we not mention this would have you giggle? On top of that he was also an hour late. So, naturally, Jessica thought she was being stood up. Due to the delay, he had to come in and meet her parents even though they had never met in person before. Needles to say, it was very awkward for the both of them. Jessica adds, “Funny thing though is that when he came inside, he knew some of my parent’s friends who were over at the time, which broke the ice.” Jessica, to this day, believes they were truly meant to be. “The first date felt like we had been friends for years. Never dull in conversation and many laughs.” When it was time to say goodbye- she knew there was something special and not the last they would see of each other.

It was Meant to Be….

We asked Jessica what qualities she appreciates most about Steven, and she told us that she loves how thoughtful he is. Steven is always trying to make her smile and laugh. He is her knight-in-shining-armor and does anything to be there for her when she has a bad day or is sad. They both agree that they love to laugh and just have fun. Additionally, both don’t take life too seriously, which is why they agree that they are each other’s perfect match. In Jessica’s eyes, Steven also gained major bonus points as a fur-dad. He cares for and loves them just as much as she does. She adds, “the family has grown by one since the wedding. After our honeymoon, we introduced another mini Schnauzer to our family. So now we have our princess Luna and her goofball little brother, Loki!”

PICKING THE WEDDING VENUE

The decision for the venue was one that was set in motion long before they even got engaged. It holds a very special place in their heart as it holds many fond past memories. The Tide Vacation Apartments in Hollywood beach is run by distant family. It is also the place they have been coming to for vacation for years before deciding to move to Fort Lauderdale. It was the place Jessica stayed at when she got her teaching job down here. Additionally, it was the place they held Steven’s surprise 30th birthday with loved ones from up north. It was unconventional, but perfect.

Now, Let’s Talk About Luna-The Very Impawtant Dog of Honor

Steven and Jessica got Luna together three years ago on October 9th. Happy ‘Gotcha Anniversary’ Luna! They decided they wanted to make their house a home. They don’t want kids, but have the biggest of hearts and so much love to give. So, it was an easy decision to add Luna into their lives. They looked for a mini Schnauzer because Jessica had always grown up with them. To her, this was the perfect breed and they both agreed it is exactly what they felt would complete their home. She became the pride and joy of their life. Unfortunately, when they got her, she was the runt of the litter and very sick. It was a lot of sleepless nights and vet visits, but now she is healthy and their little princess. Sometimes, the hardest of times build the strongest of bonds.

Luna is small but mighty

Jessica recounts the day she got Luna,

“When we went to get her, she was the tiniest one. She looked little, sick, and like she needed someone to love her. But when we picked her up, she moved all her paws out like she was flying, and that just won my heart right then and there! So she became our Luna.”

The inspiration behind having a dog of honor 

“Like a daughter, we always joke and call her our doghter. So, it only felt right for her to be our flower girl. Also, having my brother walk her just put the cherry on top.”

There are so many ways to include those furbabies that might not be fit to make it to the pawty. Check out some fun ideas of how you can include them here.

Future Plans

Luna came with them on their mini-moon to Key Largo. “It was so nice to include her on that special weekend. We picked up her baby brother, Loki (a mini schnauzer), on the way home.” Luna has always gone on adventures with them; they take her home for Christmas in Niagara Falls, NY, every year. Jessica added, “She was even there for our engagement in Denver, CO, at St. Mary’s Glacier. I was holding her when he got down on one knee 🙂 We hope to take her and Loki on many more adventures.”

We hope you do too! Luna and Loki are two lucky pups that will be going on many more adventures in their lifetime. We cannot thank them enough for letting us be pawt of their big day and witness the love that the three of them have for each other. We hope to meet Loki one day too!

Vendors

Photographer: Sand and Sea Studios

Wedding Venue: Tide Vacation Apartments

Event Planner: Busy Bees Events

WEDDING PET CARE: Furever Us