James and I matched on an online dating app right before I went home for spring break my sophomore year of college, and before James went back home to Grass Valley for leave. We talked the entire time we were both home.

James and I went on our first date two days after my 20th birthday. I asked James out, and he planned the date. I met James in Seaport Village in downtown San Diego. He showed up romantically in his Grandpa's GMC, complete with roses. We rode the ferry to Coronado Island and had dinner at The Islander Restaurant. I showed James around Coronado, and he remembers my excitement showing him the Hotel Del Coronado. James has since told me he fell in love with me in that moment. We lost track of time enjoying each other's company and ran back to the ferry dock to avoid missing our ferry!

James and I started officially dating on April 21st 2023 on our 9th date. We went to sushi together and shared our first kiss on the beach. While slow dancing in an empty parking garage, James asked me to be his girlfriend.

James met my mom for the first time and helped to move me out of my dorm at the end of my second year of nursing school. I drove home with my mom and James and I started our first summer of long distance.

James came to Colorado the first time in August 2023, he met the rest of my family. We then did the 18 hour roadtrip to move me back to Point Loma Nazarene University for my Junior year of nursing school.

In November 2023, James and I went to our first Marine Corps Ball together ! We had a great night together as a new couple.

In December 2023, James and I took a trip to Big Bear to Ski and Snowboard together and we realized that we both share enjoyment in this activity.

James and I celebrated my 21st birthday surrounded by my family and friends. We celebrated our 1 year anniversary shortly after my birthday.

In May 2024, James drove with me back to Colorado at the end of my junior year. We made a pit stop in Las Vegas. We then started another three months of long distance for the summer.

James and I visited Grass Valley a second time to spend some much needed time with his family before I started my senior year.

James came out to Colorado again to take me back to California for my fourth and final year of nursing school.

James and I went back to Northern California for Thanksgiving to spend it with his family! We had a lot of fun and it was our first holiday spent together in the same place.

My Grandma Camille passed away unexpectedly over Thanksgiving. James was fortunately able to make it to Colorado for the funeral. He got to meet a lot of extended family while he was out which was a blessing.

James was sent to Yuma for two months for a Marine Corps training that he had to work. Luckily, I had an opportunity to go visit him while he was away. We had a weekend to spend lots of needed quality time together.

In May 2025, I graduated college with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I was surrounded by both of our families to celebrate. Shortly after I graduated, I took my nursing boards exam and found out that I passed with James next to me. I now hold a registered nurse license!

On June 1st 2025, James proposed to me on the beach in Coronado, San Diego. It was a beautiful day with clear skies and a beautiful sunset. We celebrated with my parents and brother by getting pizza after.

James is officially out of the Marine Corps and moving to Colorado. James and I are very excited to start our new life together surrounded by all the support and love from our friends and family!