Our Story

In a world where swipes and scrolls so often lead nowhere, something extraordinary happened on March 8, 2023. A young man named Oren, while casually browsing Facebook, stumbled across a familiar-yet-mysterious face. She was already on his friends list, and though her name was Jessie, he couldn’t quite place where he knew her from. But something about her captured his attention—perhaps it was her eyes, her smile, or maybe it was fate tugging at his heart.

So, with a little courage and a curious spark, he sent her a message. What followed was a conversation that flowed effortlessly, like pages turning in a book neither of them wanted to end. Two days later, on March 10, destiny decided to move things along. They agreed to meet in person at The Block in Fort Walton Beach—a night that would forever change their lives.

Jessie arrived with two friends by her side, and Oren, with a brave heart, came alone. As he approached the bar, waiting for his mystery woman to appear, he was greeted... by a man named Jesse. For a moment, the fairytale threatened to become a comedy. Had Oren been catfished? Thankfully not. It turns out, Jessie’s friend just happened to share her name—spelled differently, of course.

And then—there she was. Jessie. The Jessie. The moment their eyes met, something clicked. Not loud or dramatic, but soft, certain, and warm. It was the kind of magic you only find in stories or dreams—the kind that whispers, “This is the beginning.”

Their first date was at McGuire’s Irish Pub in Destin. Over buffalo thighs and nervous laughter, Jessie tried her best to stay elegant, but Oren couldn’t stop smiling—completely charmed by her authenticity. What followed were nights of deep conversations, inside jokes, road trips, and a growing closeness that neither of them expected but both of them welcomed.

On March 19, 2023—just eleven days after that first fateful message—Jessie asked Oren to be her boyfriend. He paused, caught off guard but completely smitten. And then, with a heart full of yes, he said the word she was hoping to hear.

As their story grew, so did their circle of love. Oren met Jessie’s wonderful parents, Johnny and Terri Joubert, at Boshamps and Marina Cafe—seaside dinners filled with laughter, seafood, and soft glances. Jessie, in turn, met Oren’s equally charming parents, Jeff and Gail Powell, over tacos, chips, and the occasional joke about coupons and monopoly money at Cazadores Mexican Restaurant.

Their first trip together took them to Busch Gardens in Tampa—rollercoasters, laughter, and a night that ended with Jessie under the weather and Oren at her side, lovingly caring for her every step of the way. That’s how he knew—love wasn’t just about the high points; it was in the moments where you hold each other through the low ones, too.

What followed was a whirlwind of adventure. Destin to Pensacola. Pensacola to Navarre. Little towns in between, all becoming part of their growing story. Weddings, game nights, vacations, and even front-row seats to St. Louis Cardinals games. And then... Italy.

The trip of a lifetime—pasta, espresso, cobblestone streets, fountains older than time, and wine that seemed to swirl with romance. It was more than a vacation; it was a declaration: “This is our story, and it’s only getting better.”

And so, it was only fitting that when it came time to ask the biggest question of all, it happened on one of the most magical weekends of the year—Blue Angels Weekend in Pensacola. After a day in the sun surrounded by friends, family, and the crashing waves, Oren took Jessie to Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille. With the salty breeze dancing around them and the golden sunset glowing above, he got down on one knee.

The world paused.

Jessie’s heart raced.

And then… she said yes.

They moved in together in August 2024, making a cozy home in Pensacola. Not every moment has been perfect—no fairytale ever is—but they’ve faced every twist and turn with laughter, grace, and the kind of love that writes its own happily ever after.

And now, the next chapter is about to begin.

On November 7, 2025, Oren and Jessie will stand side by side, surrounded by the people who matter most, and say the words they’ve been building their lives toward:

“I do.”

We hope you’ll be there to witness the magic.