JJ & Victoria

Made for Us: JJ & Victoria’s Story

Some love stories don’t begin with fireworks.

They begin with a message.

For JJ Barker and Victoria Ponzillo, what started as simple conversation on Upward quickly became something far deeper — a connection rooted in faith from the very beginning.

Their messages turned into meaningful talks. Their talks turned into trust. And before long, their story was unfolding into something only God could orchestrate.

Faith at the Center

From the start, their relationship was built with Christ as the foundation.

Not just shared interests or chemistry — but a mutual desire to honor God, pursue healing, and build something lasting.

They began taking trips to see one another, learning what it meant to love across miles.

And somehow, even the hardest parts became holy.

Airports became sacred places.

Each goodbye hurt a little more… because each hello meant even more.

Love in the Ordinary Moments

Their journey has been filled with both the big moments and the everyday ones:

Target runsDinners and movie nightsWorship side-by-sideLong conversations about life, healing, and the future

With every shared experience, the distance felt smaller and the love grew stronger.

Through exhaustion, busy schedules, and miles between them, they continued to choose each other.

Not out of convenience…

But out of conviction.

A Love Marked by Peace

Both JJ and Victoria had been through hard things. They understood life’s valleys.

And that’s what made finding one another even more powerful — discovering safety, peace, and joy in a love shaped by God’s grace.

Still long distance, but now fully committed…

They are engaged and getting married this October.

God Knew What He Was Doing

Their story is proof that God wastes nothing — not the waiting, not the miles, not even the heartbreak that came before.

He was writing something greater all along.

And as JJ shared so beautifully…

The best part?

The story is just getting started. ❤️‍🔥

💛 Congratulations, JJ & Victoria! Thank you for letting Upward be a part of what God is building through your love.