Ross and Jojie

#WedwithCourtly: Ross and Jojie

Ross and Jojie’s love story is a testament to how unexpected encounters can lead to lasting love. From their first meeting to their seamless wedding experience, their journey is filled with heartwarming moments and genuine connections.

Ross, an active-duty military officer stationed overseas, and Jojie, a graduate student in freshwater fish biology from the Philippines, first connected on Bumble. Their initial meeting was full of surprises, leading to a deep bond and eventual marriage facilitated through Courtly. Their story highlights the joys of finding love in unconventional ways.

How did you two meet, and what was your first impression of each other?

Ross: Jojie and I matched on Bumble, and we were both excited for our first date. I had a shaved head and a beard at the time, so Jojie thought I looked like the serious type. To her surprise, I turned out to be a goofy and fun-loving fisherman. We went to a river near my house, and I showed her how to cast under the trees.

Jojie: I was working towards a master's degree in freshwater fish biology in the Philippines, so I was eager to see what we might catch! We ended up catching no fish 🤣. Ross later told me he was happy we spent time laughing by the water. He was surprised that I enjoyed the trip even though I couldn't swim.

Why did you choose to get married through Courtly, and what was the experience like?

Ross: I quickly knew I wanted to give Jojie everything. Since I'm active-duty military overseas, it was important to me that the process was smooth and quick so I could handle her paperwork efficiently. One of her friends had recently used Courtly, and it seemed to work flawlessly. We trusted her friend Jasmine's recommendation.

Jojie: After I said yes 👫, my friend Jasmine recommended Courtly.com. We were delighted that Courtly handled our Apostle stamp and marriage documents quickly. The Courtly staff were easily reachable by email for any questions we had about Filipino/American documentation 😊.

What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?

Ross: The most memorable moment for me was sharing our dinner table with my friend Geronimo, who was my witness. Introducing my Brazilian friend to my wife's cooking and culture was unforgettable!

Jojie: My favorite moment was cutting our red velvet cake together and serving it to our guests ♥️. Seeing everyone together and sending them home with baon (takeaway food) was amazing.

How has married life been so far, and what are you most looking forward to in your future together?

Ross: Understand that change is good, and patience is important. Ask yourself if an argument seems trivial from the outside; if it does, don’t take it too seriously and try to compromise. Find activities you both enjoy and plan them a week or two in advance.

Jojie: Address problems as they arise. Don’t bottle up your emotions when you’re with your significant other. Love grows with a balance of happiness and tears. Feel free to cry, laugh, and be vulnerable. Actively listen and open your heart fully 🥰.

Do you have any advice for other couples getting married soon?

Ross: Join your significant other’s video calls home. Even if there’s a significant language barrier, seeing what makes them happy and how they live is important.

Jojie: Pray for guidance and trust your instincts. It’s important to remember what and who feels right for you.