Almost 6 years ago, Hope made a decision that would impact the rest of her life: saying yes to an ice skating date with James. On December 16th, 2018, Hope decided to give the boy from 7th grade science class a shot and it didn’t take long for the high school juniors to transform a young friendship into something that would last forever. James and Hope quickly developed a bond through shared personality traits, humor, and interests. Throughout the rest of high school, the two became inseparable, growing closer as they began to learn more about one another. After a memorable season of pool parties, movie nights, and fun dates, the couple had their sights set on college and decided on furthering their studies in Phoenix Arizona. This decision led to a new chapter in life and brought new learning experiences that strengthened their relationship and led them closer to God as a couple.

They made new friends during their four years in the desert, and found a church that they could call a home away from home. Through these changes, they learned how to love each other in a different way as they began to consider marriage. On a summer vacation in May of 2023, James got on a knee on a North Carolina beach and asked Hope to be his wife. It was the biggest “no-brainer” decision he had ever made and the easiest yes she had ever said. Hope was the perfect example of God’s love in James’ life and after 5 years of her putting up with his shenanigans, he knew it was time to seal the deal. Through thick and thin, the two of them have loved each other relentlessly and have begun preparing their hearts to love and serve each other for life.