September 2018:

It all started when Elizabeth moved to Chattanooga, TN for a job after her master's program. James and Elizabeth matched on a dating app and thought not too much of it. It started as casual conversations and often infrequent, due to James' early morning work hours.

A week passed and James messaged Elizabeth again because he was in Chattanooga for his parents' anniversary. He thought Elizabeth "seemed" like a cool person to hang with. So, he asked her out for drinks at Big River Grille in downtown. Elizabeth had nothing planned but ended up being over an hour late because, for those who know her, stressed about not having the "perfect" outfit. Finally, Elizabeth arrived to the restaurant. It was a very rainy night, and there was James, standing outside in the rain and fog. Elizabeth swears that the fog parted just right for her to see him in his gingham patterned pants (ask why this is important at the wedding lol). They spent the night drinking, and, surprisingly, James talked Elizabeth's ears off about anime, his nerdy hobbies, and art that was drawn for his character. Elizabeth was a nomad for a couple months before moving into her apartment. James, knowingly, preferred to see and visit her in air bnbs and hotels because he was drawn to her openness and honesty. James met her parents before they were even "exclusively together" because she needed to move into her apartment, which was anxiety inducing for Elizabeth. We should've known this was a foreshadow that we would remain together (forever).

Only God will know how they ended up where they are, as they both often said to each other "you're so weird!". Along those 5 years of long distance, they've stolen each other's hearts and quirky mannerisms.

Registry