Our Story

Whoops. Kierstin broke up with her boyfriend the evening of May 3. Jonathan found out that they now were "official" that next morning at work. 

Despite such a strong bond, Jonathan knew he was in a tumultuous time in his life and didn't want to lead her on - he made it clear that he did not believe that this would be a long term relationship, but since they were both right here, right now, they might as well enjoy what they have together until life comes and shakes things up.   

As summer 2016 comes to an end, Kierstin's time in the Richmond Ballet trainee program did the same and the time came for her to venture off to be a professional dancer. She secured a company position with Todd Rosenlieb Dance in Norfolk. In addition to being a professional dancer and dance teacher, Kierstin was a go-getter and became a professional barista too at Alatte Cafe.

At that same time - Jonathan's lease was coming to an end, his wonderful Box Officer Manager had quit, and he was stuck with an abusive, incompetent, slightly traumatizing Marketing Director. This made the choice to move to Norfolk with Kierstin much easier to make. He secured a position as Box Office Manager with the Virginia Symphony and Jonathan & Kierstin officially moved into the Ghent neighborhood together.

The next two years in Norfolk had its ups and downs as they learned more about each other, but even through the rough times their bond grew stronger. Jonathan's grandmother, who raised him alongside his mother, grew sick passed away during this time - adding to the chaos of an early relationship and inviting Jonathan to enter a darker period mentally. The next few years will bring Jonathan and Kierstin through the more difficult trials of their relationship, during which neither faltered nor doubted in their love for each other. 

In August of 2018 they made the decision to move back to Richmond. 

The two moved back to Richmond in August of 2018. The decision was not easy, but Jonathan was not in a good place mentally and needed to return to Richmond. He accepted a position with The Richmond Symphony in their Education department, and Kierstin found work at Soul Aerial, The Richmond Ballet, and The Pit and The Peel. 

Times were still hard, and Kierstin now slipped into her dark period of life as she struggled to establish herself within Richmond's Dance Community. Fortunately, we know in the present that she has done just that! 

The two lived together in Carytown for a year before moving in with their friends, Gavin and Greg, to save some money and for a little extra camaraderie. The four lived together for three years and through a pandemic, which, by the way, was the best summer ever. This time on Semmes Avenue was marked by growth, by fun, by recklessness, and the couple continued to strengthened their bonds with each other as we grow closer to the present day. 

Saturday, October 9, 2021 @ Rooster Walk Revival