Deanna and Stu met the modern way: by swiping right on Match in 2020. After chatting non-stop for weeks and exchanging phone numbers, they both felt that they may have found something special and were ready to take the risk of meeting their on-line dating match in person.

They realized that pursuing a relationship might have its challenges, as they lived over an hour away from each other, however they met half-way in the small town of Portland, Michigan for their first date. With covid masks on, the date had its first date awkward moments, like any first date does. But, being the Casanova that Stu is, the date still ended with a first kiss. Stu and Deanna went on several dates in the Fall of 2020 and knew that they wanted to pursue a relationship with each other.

Stu would say that he knew quickly that Deanna was someone he wanted to be a part of his life because of the kindness and light in her eyes and because she “feels like home.”

Deanna would tell you that spending time with Stu gives her a sense of peace that she didn’t know she wanted, needed, or even existed.

In December of 2020, Stu and Deanna decided that they were ready to introduce their children together. Although it took a little bit of time for the seven kids to get to know each other and to become comfortable, before they knew it all seven kids were best friends. Some of Stu and Deanna’s favorite times together are when all of their kids are together with them. From playing board games, solving Escape Room puzzles, and camping at Deanna’s cabin, to their many many out of state travel adventures, they’ve discovered that the best adventures are the ones they create with each other and they feel so grateful for their partnership and blended family. “Blended families are woven together by choice, strengthened by love, and tested by everything.”

They are excited for you to join them as they say "I do" at their wedding in October of 2024. See you soon!