It all began on a Southwest flight ✈️ in November 2021—a flight neither of us was supposed to be on. Carly’s direct flight from Naples, FL, to Dallas was unexpectedly rerouted through Chicago, while Jim, living in Chicago at the time, arrived so early for his later flight (thanks to his airport anxiety 😅) that he decided to fly standby. As fate would have it, Jim became the last person to board, claiming the only open seat—a middle seat—right next to Carly in the second row.

Normally shy and buried in her book 📚, Carly found herself laughing out loud thanks to Jim’s charm and humor 😂. By the time they landed, Jim knew he couldn’t leave their meeting to chance. As luck would have it, he had a friend’s wedding near Marco Island—just 30 minutes from Carly’s home—the next month. He asked for her number, setting the stage for their first date in December 2021 on Marco Island 🌴.

What followed was a whirlwind of long-distance romance 🌍💌, with the two traveling back and forth between Chicago and Naples, scheduling monthly dates in cities like Fort Lauderdale, Denver, Tulsa, and Chicago. Over the next year and a half, they flew over 100 flights ✈️. Finally, in June 2023, Jim made the big move to Naples so they could leave their suitcases unpacked and build a life together. 🏡✨

On August 30, 2024, Jim proposed 💍, and Carly said yes to forever. 🥂💖

From two strangers meeting by chance on Southwest Flight 5237 to a lifetime of love and adventure, they’re ready to celebrate their epic love story with all of you. 🎉❤️