Hi! We are Tessa & Mark

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. We can only imagine the emotions this season may bring, and we don’t take lightly the courage it takes to look through profiles like ours. If you are reading this, please know we see you with deep respect and gratitude.

Adoption has always been woven into our lives. Tessa’s sister was adopted, and adoption is also part of Mark’s family story, so growing our family in this way is meaningful and close to our hearts.

If our paths were to come together, your child would grow up knowing the love and courage that shaped their story. We would honor you with warmth, honesty, and openness.

Our home is loving and steady, and we promise to give your child a life surrounded by safety, joy, and unconditional love.

About Us

We met senior year of high school when we were paired as lab partners, and after graduation Tessa bravely asked Mark on our first date. We’ve been together ever since! We navigated long distance through college and even spent six months studying abroad together. After graduation, we moved into a tiny apartment near the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean.

A few years later, we moved into our forever home, where Mark’s woodworking skills and Tessa’s love for decorating have turned it into a warm and welcoming space. Along the way, we welcomed our sweet labradoodle, Phoebe, who keeps us laughing every day.

We love cooking meals together, hosting friends and family, traveling, and finding joy in simple traditions like nightly walks and at-home coffee dates.

Our life is full of love and deep friendship, and we’re so excited to grow our family and create even more memories together.

Home and Family

Our home is a place where family and friends gather often and laughter fills the rooms.

We are incredibly close with both of our parents and Tessa’s sister, who all live nearby and are always ready for a homemade pizza night, a pool day at Mark’s parents’, or a spontaneous family outing. Every year, we host a big Christmas celebration with over 20 loved ones, cooking family recipes, playing games, and carrying on traditions we can’t wait to share with a child.

Our extended family is large and full of life, with many aunts & uncles, cousins, and lots of little ones running around. We also treasure traveling to Kansas, Michigan, and Arizona to visit extended family. Many of our closest friendships have lasted since childhood, and they feel like family to us.

On any given weekend, you’ll find us hosting dinner, working on a home project, taking Phoebe on a long walk, or gathering with friends for a birthday or backyard hangout. Our home is warm and welcoming, a place where people drop by, stay awhile, and always feel cared for. We feel incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such a strong village and to build our life in a community filled with love, support, and shared traditions.

Things that make us happy

• Traveling and exploring new places together

• Making memories with family and friends

• Cozy nights by the fireplace with a good book

• Hosting holiday get-togethers and playing games

• Beach days with our dog, Phoebe

• Listening to a new album or Mark playing guitar

• Cheering on our favorite teams at sporting events

Our friends would describe us as...

• Supportive and deeply loyal

• Fun-loving and easygoing

• Kind and warm-hearted

• Thoughtful in the little things

• Responsible and dependable

• Motivated and driven

• Grounded and full of love

In Closing

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us.

We hope that soon we will be able to get to know you, too! We know this is an incredibly important and personal decision, and we are honored that you would consider us as potential parents.

We hold deep respect for your strength and the love you have for your child. If we are chosen to walk this path with you, please know that your child will grow up in a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. We will cherish every moment, celebrate who they are, and provide a safe and nurturing environment where they can grow & thrive.