Jordan & Jeff: A Classic Pennsylvania Wedding
Wedding Photos by @ANRPhotography__
Having attended the same high school, sat in the same class together, and Jordan living next door to Jeff’s grandparents, you would think that this love affair would have blossomed far earlier. But, it wasn’t until later in life that Jordan and Jeff made an emotional connection. “By means of crisscrossing paths, we finally stopped at the same intersection of life years later on the dating app, Grindr." Jeff had returned to Pennsylvania on a trip from studying in North Carolina and Jordan was beginning his professional career in Architecture.
“There’s still controversy about who sent the first message, but I recognized Jordan immediately and felt very comfortable sharing my identity with him. It was as if I had already known him for years.”
Their first date was at a local brewery in small-town Lititz, PA where they both grew up. “We decided at the last minute to meet up and grab a drink. Even before meeting in person, we both had a sense of urgency to connect and learn more about the other. Nothing spectacular occurred on the first date. In fact, we both played it super cool so as not to seem too interested; we didn't even share a kiss goodnight. Truth was, we were already engrossed in mutual interests and smitten with each other.”
The couple spent every evening together the week following their first date. The two met and talked about everything, watching sunsets and fireworks light up the Fourth of July in Philadelphia and Lititz.
The time between that first week and their engagement did not come easy. “Throughout our first year of dating, distance played a significant part in our quickly developing relationship.” Distance does makes the heart grow fonder; and for this couple was a gift. “Traveling back and forth between North Carolina and Pennsylvania, we found that long drives and short visits created a deep appreciation for every moment together.”
While they had agreed to wait to propose until we both completed our studies, Jordan was so confident in their relationship that he could not wait. “He secretly coordinated a weekend stay at Gramercy Mansion, a historic bed-and-breakfast in Stevenson, Maryland.” The gorgeous Tudor mansion and secluded grounds offered a quiet stay away from their busy lives. “Under the guise of a much-needed relaxing vacation, I had no idea what Jordan had planned to do just a few hours later.”
“We spent the morning strolling along Baltimore Inner Harbor and talked about our exciting summer ahead. At check-in, we were guided past the Carriage House and through the Atrium, lavishly decorated for a wedding later that afternoon. After settling into our English-oak accented guest room, we ventured out into the beautifully landscaped gardens.”
It wasn’t long before the two stumbled upon a white marble gazebo prepared with a bottle of champagne, flickering candles, and a rose-petal welcome. Unaware of all the planning Jordan had done leading to this day, Jeff was sure they were interrupting a special moment for another newlywed couple. Turns out that special moment was for them! “Jordan led me under the gazebo, and with tears in his eyes, shared words of affirmation and love and asked me to marry him. It was the most surprising and exciting moment of my life.”
“When it comes to same-sex proposals, there are a lot of questions. Who should propose? What if both people want to propose? How do you decide? The truth is there are no right or wrong ways to do it. I was more than happy to say “Yes” even though I had an idea in mind to propose myself. It only matters what you and your partner feel is perfect for you.”
Coming off the highs of the proposal, Jordan and Jeff planned their wedding for the summer of 2020. They found the perfect venue for their celebration at Grandview Vineyard. “Under the shade of large oak trees, the “Cove” adjacent to the vineyard offered intimate moments and a perfect setting for sharing our vows. Later, the greenhouse-like pavilion lit up with accent lighting, huge Boston ferns, and draped sheer made for an elegant and clean space with subtle nods to the natural landscape outside. With a light breeze off the vineyard, our guests experienced the presence of love and the rewards of the vine!”
Due to COVID-19, we were forced to make the difficult decision to postpone our big day from June (also Pride Month) to August. Even though it was just a few weeks later, we were able to create a very welcoming and safe environment for our guests to enjoy our wedding.”
Jordan and Jeff opted not to hire a wedding planner. “It’s just the way we like to do things, DIY. The challenge was not to have it look like we did it ourselves, but professionally done. The biggest surprise was how quickly you can get so focused on one small detail or element of the day that it becomes the biggest issue or reason for stress. There are so many dimensions to wedding planning! But in the end, it’s the couple and the love that surrounds them that matters most.”
Before they knew it, the wedding day had arrived, and In the presence of some of their closest friends and family, Jordan and Jeff joined hands to recite their vows.
“Jordan, I am reminded of how blessed I am. You’ve given me your whole heart; I promise you mine in return. Not only do I promise to fall in love with you each day, but to rise up to your love and match it, hold it close, and let it shine. May your love inspire my actions and behaviors as I wear my ring proudly, confidently, and without end. Each day, each moment here on out, I promise to hold you tight, to kiss you often, to support you always, and never let you feel unloved.”
Jordan responded, “Jeff, of all the people you’ve met on your journey and of all the places you’ve been, somehow and someway, you ended up here—with me. It is the most powerful and humbling fact that I can accept.
I promise to always remember that you are indeed human. I promise to make you smile and laugh as much as you make me, and if not more. I promise to appreciate the challenging times, understand what they tell us, and how they shape our union, and to always find our way back to one another. I promise to care for you and our families for as long as we live, to adventure with you always, and to remind you that you are enough. I promise to be a potential committed father with you, raising kids who will be loved unconditionally and fully supported at all times of their life, no matter what may arise. I promise to speak and live in truth with you, and to communicate fully and fearlessly. I promise above all else to love you unconditionally. I give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace and pledge my love, devotion, faith, and honor as I join my life to yours….from this day forward so long as we both shall live, you will never walk alone.”
The celebration continued into the reception, including a surprising mashup of songs that Jordan and Jeff choreographed a special dance to for their first dance. “Nobody knew we had planned this dance. For
8-weeks leading up to the wedding, we had a friend choreograph the moves for us. We didn’t realize how much fun it would be to meet with her and learn the routine. It became our date night of sorts with many laughs, a few mistakes, and lots of practice. In the end, our guests were surprised, clapping along to the music and cheering in celebration.”
When asked what advice they would give other couples planning their wedding, Jordan and Jeff recommended, “If you have the time between the proposal and the vows, think about what makes you as a couple special and find a unique way to integrate it into the day. We are both very spiritual and faith-driven, so it was important to commit ourselves wholly to one another by means of anointing, a practice of spiritual renewal, and strengthened faith.”
“As life would have it, our plans changed and we had to be flexible and adapt to the changes. We were fortunate to spend a few days on the Florida coast celebrating as newlyweds. With safety in mind, we spent all of our time away from people and public places. It was as if we were alone on a private island free from stress and distractions. It was a great way to reflect on the wedding and our life ahead. We look forward to new adventures and opportunities in safer times and making more memories that will last a lifetime.”
Ceremony & Reception Venue — Grandview Vineyard
Photography — ANR Photography
Videography — JKM Productions
Apparel — Generation Tux
Floral Design — Pollinate
DJ — Day and Nyte DJs
