Ritz Charles

Ceremony

Sip Savor and Mingle

Love, Legacy & the Last Dance

Our Wedding

Some love stories begin with fireworks.Ours began with perfect timing—just not the first time around.Nearly thirty years ago, we met as young adults. There was an undeniable connection between us, built on ease, laughter, and genuine affection. Our time together was brief, but it was never marked by conflict or heartbreak. Life simply had different journeys waiting for each of us, and we quietly let one another go.Yet somehow, we never disappeared completely from each other's lives.Through the years, our paths would occasionally cross—a chance encounter here, a warm hello there. Each meeting was a gentle reminder of someone familiar, someone remembered. Then life would carry us in separate directions once again.Neither of us knew that our story wasn't over.Years later, when the world had changed in ways no one could have imagined, something wonderfully ordinary became extraordinary. A random Facebook post featuring Denise appeared in Christopher's news feed. It wasn't planned. It wasn't searched for. It simply appeared—as if God had decided it was finally time.Christopher reached out.Denise answered.And a conversation that had been waiting nearly three decades quietly began again.As the rest of the world was being told to stay apart during the COVID-19 pandemic, we were finding every safe opportunity to come together. While uncertainty surrounded everyone, we discovered an unexpected certainty in each other.We quietly—and safely—found ways to spend time together, never allowing distance, circumstances, or ever-changing travel recommendations to steal another opportunity from us. What could have become an obstacle instead became one of the greatest gifts our relationship would ever receive.Without crowded calendars, social obligations, or the influence of outside voices, we were given something few couples ever experience—time.Time to talk.Time to laugh.Time to heal.Time to dream.Time to rediscover one another—not as the twenty-somethings we once were, but as two people shaped by life's victories, disappointments, lessons, and blessings.For nearly two years, we intentionally built our relationship in the quiet. We learned each other's hearts, celebrated each other's strengths, accepted each other's imperfections, and discovered that the connection we once shared had never truly disappeared. It had simply matured, deepened, and patiently waited for the right season.Every success. Every setback. Every unanswered prayer. Every lesson. Every mile. Every year apart had been preparing us for this moment.Somewhere between the long conversations, the miles traveled, the quiet weekends, and the countless moments no one else will ever know, friendship became trust. Trust became love. And love became home.What began as a chance reunion slowly revealed itself to be something much greater.It was a second chance.A divine appointment.A love story that had never truly ended—it had simply paused until the timing was perfect.We believe love isn't measured by how long you've been together. It's measured by how deeply two hearts recognize one another when the moment is finally right.After nearly thirty years, countless miles, and lives fully lived, we found what we were unknowingly searching for all along—not just the loves of our lives, but the right love at exactly the right time.Our story reminds us that some prayers are answered years after they're first whispered. Some dreams take decades to unfold. And some of the greatest love stories aren't written in a straight line.They're written in God's perfect timing.So, on March 12, 2027, surrounded by the people we love most, we will begin the next chapter of a story that started long ago, was lovingly rewritten by grace, and now continues with the promises we make to one another:To choose each other every day.To cherish each other through every season.To laugh often and forgive quickly.To encourage one another's dreams.To grow together in faith, friendship, and love.To build a home filled with joy, peace, and purpose.And to love one another completely for the rest of our lives.This is only the beginning.

When the Time Was Right:  The Love Story of Denise & Christopher

Our Story

Our Photos

Wedding Party

Hey, we love y'all—but this is your friendly reminder that this is not the cookout. 😊We're asking everyone to show up in your finest cocktail attire. Fellas, pull out that suit or sport coat. Ladies, this is your moment for the dress, the jumpsuit, or the outfit that's been waiting for an occasion like this.And just one small favor from the bride and groom...Please leave the jeans, tennis shoes, and "I'm just keeping it casual" outfits at home. We promise you'll have plenty of chances to wear them—just not at our wedding.We're creating an elegant evening, but don't let the fancy clothes fool you. Before the night is over, we fully expect ties to be loosened, heels to come off, fans to come out, and everybody to be on the dance floor.So come looking like you're ready for the wedding... and dancing like nobody's watching. Trust us—you'll fit right in.

Dress Code

Q + A

Conveniently&nbsp;located&nbsp;just&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;steps&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;and&nbsp;reception&nbsp;venue,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hyatt&nbsp;Place&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;location&nbsp;for&nbsp;out-of-town&nbsp;guests.&nbsp;Guests&nbsp;can&nbsp;also&nbsp;take&nbsp;a&nbsp;short&nbsp;drive&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Carmel&nbsp;Arts&nbsp;and&nbsp;Design&nbsp;District.When&nbsp;booking,&nbsp;please&nbsp;request&nbsp;the&nbsp;Herd-Johnson&nbsp;party.

Denise & Christopher

Denise & Christopher

Things to Do

Things to Do coming soon!