Justin and I met years before anything romantic ever unfolded through church at One Life and annual mission trips to Tijuana, Mexico. For 4 to 5 years, we were simply familiar faces, sharing quick hellos on Sundays and moments of overlap while serving others. I also knew Justin’s younger siblings through youth group and even took his brother Micah on a mission trip to Togo, West Africa, never realizing how closely our lives were already connected.
In March 2025, everything changed during our annual Mexico mission trip, where I was serving as a leader. Throughout the week, Justin found intentional ways to spend time with me, sitting together at meals, joining my group for projects, and walking with me and students to grab late night snacks. By the end of the trip, during the travel logistics back through San Diego, Justin chose to stay behind at the airport with me so I would not be alone. That quiet moment was where everything shifted.
From that day on, we talked every single day. Just a week later, Justin picked me up from the airport after a trip to Texas, turning that drive into our first date and a defining conversation about pursuing a relationship. From that point forward, we have been inseparable, building a relationship rooted in faith, intention, and serving others together.
It did not take long for it to become clear, not just to us, but to everyone around us, that we were meant for each other. The way we support one another and show up with intention is something that is deeply felt by the people who know and love us. It is a relationship that so clearly reflects God’s timing and purpose in both of our lives.
As our story continued to unfold, it was really important to us to capture it in a way that felt genuine and true to who we are. We had both individually worked with Sami Jo Photography for family photos in the past, and every experience was amazing. She creates a space that feels natural and comfortable while still capturing you so authentically.
Our engagement session was no different. Sami Jo made the entire experience feel effortless and fun, allowing us to simply be ourselves while she captured our relationship so genuinely.
As we look ahead to our wedding on October 10, 2026, we truly could not imagine anyone else documenting such an important day. Sami Jo has a special gift for storytelling through photography. She captures more than just images. She captures emotion, connection, and the feeling behind every moment. Because of her, we do not just get photos, we get to relive our story exactly as it felt. She has an incredible way of turning real, ordinary moments into something beautiful, intentional, and worth holding onto forever.
-MARIE SEMODIO
