PHOTOS BY KEHLEY SHANK PHOTOGRAPHY

When John Met Christina

John and Christina met on the popular dating site, Plenty of Fish, in August 2016, when they connected on their shared love for martial arts, as well as cooking. “I’m always introducing John to new foods,” says Christina. 

At the time, she was doing judo, a Japanese form of martial arts, and John was doing Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art based on karate, and was a fourth-degree black belt. 

She Said Yes

John and Christina both love Halloween, and every year Christina and her friends gather from their respective cities and celebrate.

In October 2020, John joined the group at a cabin at Raystown Lake in central Pennsylvania. The group dressed in costumes and then gathered to take pictures. Their friends, who were all in on the proposal, directed Christina to face away from John for the photo. When she turned back around, John was on one knee. 

“I was so shocked,” she says. “I just had no suspicion this was happening at all.” 

The Big Day

Their wedding day on Oct. 28, 2022, was infused with nods to Halloween, from the orange, pumpkin-shaped wedding cake, adorned with a cake topper reading, “I put a spell on you,” to the color scheme of rich purples and emerald greens. The ceremony and reception were held at the National Aviary, where chirping birds could be heard throughout and guests were free to explore. There were also two birds (a penguin and owl) in attendance, with their trainers in tow.

It was also a day full of emotion. John was teary-eyed when he first saw Christina for their photo session.

“I’m starting to tear up right now just even thinking of it,” he says. “She looked so amazing and beautiful in her wedding dress.”

Christina’s cousin and best friend since childhood, Trever Stoll, owned the title of man-of-honor, giving a moving speech that brought everyone to tears.

Happily Ever After

During their honeymoon in Los Angeles, Christina and John crammed as much as they could into their itinerary. They toured the Warner Bros. Studio, dined in Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen, scoped out Beverly Hills and even trained with 9th Degree Black Belt martial artist and actor, Master Ho Sik Pak. 

The couple, who lives in Irwin, enjoy simply spending time together, whether watching movies or getting together with friends. Their basement is converted into a kind of dojo, where John teaches students his own style of martial arts called Wei Son Do.

Ceremony & Reception National Aviary, North Side
Caterer Atria’s
Cake Oakmont Bakery
Desserts/Cookie Table Maddy’s Bakery (groom’s parents) and bride’s grandma
Dress MB Bride & Special Occasion
Suits Men’s Wearhouse
Christina’s Ring Disney engagement ring
Flowers & Decor DIY
Music DJ Diamond Dave