From First Dates to Family Dinners: The Buskirk Family’s Stafford Story

Photo by Karen Presecan

The Buskirk family's story is one of love, community, and a deep-rooted connection to Stafford. Jordan and Desiree Buskirk and their infant son Sullivan (affectionately called Sully) have built a home filled with warmth, shared passions, and an appreciation for family traditions and new experiences.

Desiree and Jordan's love story began in 2017 with a simple swipe on Tinder. Their first date took place at Hyperion Espresso in downtown Fredericksburg, a spot that still holds sentimental value. Their journey continued to blossom, leading to their engagement at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond in 2021 and their wedding at Gari Melchers’ Belmont in Fredericksburg in June 2023. One particularly memorable moment early in their relationship was when Jordan first met Desiree's family. 

"The first time I took Jordan home to meet my parents, we went straight to my high school's football game against our rivals," Desiree recalled. "Not only did he meet my parents, but also my grandmother and all of my family friends—talk about overwhelming!" Desiree laughed.

Jordan, a Brooke Point High School graduate, earned his degree in History from Radford University and has been working as a contractor in D.C. for the past seven years. After graduating from Central High School in the Shenandoah Valley, Desiree attended the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, graduating in 2019. She now works for the Cyber Bytes Foundation, a nonprofit (501)(c)(3) focused on education, innovation, and outreach to underrepresented communities. One of her favorite initiatives is the organization's STEM Summer Camp Programs. 

"We run camps where kids get to build their own drones, 3D printers, and gaming PCs," she explained. "It's incredible to see them take home not just a device but also the knowledge to maintain it. The camps cost about $600 for families, but in reality, they cost closer to $2,500 per camper to put on. I love making STEM more accessible to kids in our community." 

In addition to her nonprofit work, Desiree's hobby is her second job as a wedding coordinator with Madi Leigh Events. This local, woman-owned small business got its start in Fredericksburg, VA, and now services areas as far south as Richmond and west as Charlottesville. She loves "taking away the stress of the details for couples on their big day."

"It's absolute magic to experience so much love over and over again," she said. "Not just between the couples, but the love that their families and friends surround them with."

Family and friends have always surrounded the couple, here in Stafford, too, as Stafford has always been home for Jordan, who grew up in Aquia Harbour. When the couple started looking for a home, returning to Jordan's childhood neighborhood felt like the perfect choice. 

"We almost immediately knew we would live in Stafford," Desiree said. "It still feels small and homey but has way more amenities than the small town I grew up in." Living near family was another major factor in their decision. "Jordan's parents and brother still live in the Harbour, and we love that the whole family is so close," Desiree added, "we can walk to our weekly family dinners." 

Beyond the familial connections, they both enjoy the unique balance Stafford offers. "We like the duality of Stafford," Jordan explained. "You can find areas of calm and quiet while still being close to places full of life."

As lovers of Fredericksburg's historic charm and culinary scene, the Buskirks have several favorite spots. "I love downtown Fredericksburg—the old buildings and great food," Desiree shared. "Sedona is my go-to spot, and we both love Orofino." For outdoor activities, they frequent Government Island. "It's one of our favorite places to take a walk," Jordan said. "It's peaceful and such a cool place to explore."

This past December, the couple welcomed their son, Sullivan. At just two months old, Sully already enjoys snuggles and contact naps with his parents and spending time with their three pets: Duncan, an almost 8-year-old "chunky" kitty; Digit, a 6-year-old polydactyl cat; and Pepper, a golden retriever who just turned two. 

"Pepper loves her outdoor time, and we've connected with neighbors who also have dogs," Desiree shared. "It's always fun when the pups get to say hello and play along the fence."

The Buskirks share a love for travel, with warm, beachy destinations at the top of their list. While they explored many places individually, together, they enjoyed trips to Florida and Japan, where Desiree's family currently lives. "We definitely have more trips to Japan on our bucket list," she said.

As they settle into life as new parents, the Buskirks are excited about the future. "We've built a home where family and a wonderful community surround us," Jordan said. "It's the perfect place for us to raise Sully." With their love for Stafford, dedication to their careers, and appreciation for new adventures and family traditions, the Buskirks are creating a life full of meaningful connections and treasured memories.