Joey grew up in Bellingham, where Mikaela moved to attend WWU. It was there they were initially introduced through mutual friends. They quickly became close friends, and started spending almost every day together. Add the tequila shots and bam they realized they were in love and wanted to be together.

As their relationship continued, it was clear this would be forever for both of them (they dared each other to tattoo the other's initials on themselves after 5 months of dating). The hard part for Joey then was figuring out how to introduce Mikaela to his two kids. At the time, Everly was 6 and Britton was just 3 years old. Joey introduced her to them as his good friend, and luckily they all got along great or he would have kicked her to the curb. Eventually Everly figured out that her dad had a girlfriend and has been asking when they were going to get married ever since.

Joey and Mikaela have moved around a lot, eager to find a permanent landing spot. They fell in love with the Phinney Ridge/Green Lake area and took on their fourth move together this past October. (if anyone has moved with a partner you know it's a big flex to come through unscathed)

Together they have 2 cats, Buster and Truffles, and a little dog, Lisa.