Their's is a grilled cheese and tomato soup kind of love. In this episode of The Love Department, host Nik Lockhart sits down with Abby & Jay. They're the owners of Maple Shade Farm, a wedding venue in upstate New York--in the area they grew up in. What makes this couple unique is that they met in kindergarten (and stood next to each other in the class photo!) These hometown heroes have built a marriage that has lasted 25 years, had 3 kids, and lots of fun.

In this episode we talk about keeping your proposal casual, working with your spouse, finding vendors and planning a wedding that feels authentic, and letting love come back around when it's right.

• MAPLE SHADE FARM https://www.mapleshadefarmny.com/
• Piooin Vintage Jewelry https://pippinvintage.com/
• Season 2 Episode 5 with Tracy & Eddy - on picking wedding vendors
• Season 2 Episode 3 with Kerry Lynn of Love Locked- on buying wedding rings

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

On this episode we open up the inbox on our HeartLine to share with you. Hear from The Love Department listeners who discuss “Are Wedding Registries Outdated?” “Showing up Single to a Wedding” and “Asking my Father's Hand”

To leave a message on our HeartLine click here. HeartLine inbox. We’d love to hear how it’s going in your love department.

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Michael (also known as Misha) and Mario, whose love story began when they went clubbing on Halloween. After just six months of dating, Misha proposed, and now, after a two-year engagement, the couple is planning their wedding for 2026. They have a three decade age gap and their story is one for the ages.

It’s a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and insights on love in all its forms. We cover:

• The challenges and joys of dating in middle age
• Navigating coming out and finding acceptance with parents
• Why a quick proposal can lead to a lasting engagement
• The power of traditional weddings and vows

Referenced in this episode:
"Vows: The Modern Genius of an Ancient Rite" book by Cheryl Mendelsen
"The Last Of Us: Season 1 Episode 3"
"Meaning of Marriage" by Timothy Keller & Kathy Keller

Support the show

Visit us at www.love-department.com for our TLD Merch, exclusive content, or to be featured on the HeartLine. We'd love to connect with you. Xoxo