Our story began in Gainesville, FL as we were both studying at University of Florida's School of Theatre and Dance. Although we had known of each other previously, in July of 2018 we officially met while working on a show together (James was responsible for teaching Jade how to operate the sound board). We wish we could say it was love at first sight, but that was not the case. A few months later, we happened to have seats next to each other at a football game (Go Gators!). To be honest, it wasn't love at second sight either, but later that day James messaged Jade to make sure she made it home safely. Whether it was the alcohol or admiration for his persistence, we still don't know, but something told her to give him a chance.

During our time in Gainesville we attended shows, took swing dancing lessons, and frequently visited Maude's to study (aka play board games). Later that year, Jade moved back to PA while James was finishing school. It was a LONG year but we made it work with virtual dates and occasional weekend visits.

James graduated from UF and moved up to PA! That summer, we went from living 1,000 miles apart to moving into our first apartment together in Bethlehem, PA.

Bethlehem, also known as the "Christmas City", brought Christmas a little early that year! We brought Arya home on the 15th of December and became a little family of 3. We quickly learned that getting a covid puppy meant we would rarely do anything just the two of us again.

2021-2022 was a year of work and play. James began working in education and we both started our graduate school journeys. We also cruised to the Bahamas, attended James' first NFL game, and had the opportunity to see some awesome shows in NYC!

On April 30, 2023, at what Jade thought was an average birthday dinner, James got down on one knee and asked Jade to continue figuring out life with him forever. After blacking out, she said yes!!! We are so excited to begin our next adventure and celebrate with our loved ones on September 7, 2024!