In 2019 James went to a local bar in Edmonton and Hope happened to be at the same bar. Colton James’ friend happened to bust a move in the middle of Hope’s group of friends and James spotted Hope, after 5 minutes talking James knew he needed her number. Hope had to give the sad news after giving him her number that she happened to be 17 using her older sister ID. James being 3 years older quickly walked away. In 2021, 2 years later Hope was at her friend’s house party when she saw a familiar face walk into the room, without fully remembering it was the same cute guy she met 2 years prior. James remembered exactly who she was and Hope recognized him but didn’t know from where. Months go by and on a different night at the same friend’s house James was concerned that Hope was outside in -30 degree weather on her phone. James knew that he had her number saved and texted to make sure she was ok. Hope was confused who texted her and realized it was James. The rest of the night Hope and James stayed up all night talking about the day they met and it became an on going tradition for Hope who we all know is a talker to keep James up all night till morning talking about everything and anything. That night they became great friends. Continuing into 2022-2023 Hope and James were known as the two friends that everyone knew they loved each other except them, even Hope and James’ siblings knew it before they did. After years of staying up till 4am talking about their families, their beautiful nieces and nephews, careers, hobbies/interests and over all learning each other. BVJ ( Big Valley Jamboree) of August 2023 James and Hope both knew that they were more than friends and knew that they were each others person. That fall James built up the courage to ask Hope on a first date at the end of 2023. Knowing how important this date was to both Hope and James it was every bit as awkward as Hope imagined it to be in the best way possible. If you can believe it Hope talks even more when nervous and James likes to say he “couldn’t even get a word in.” Even with all the nerves and awkwardness it didn’t stop them from loving every bit of it. In June of 2025 James and Hope planned a last minute trip to Vegas with their friends Kaitlin (bridesmaid) and Markus (officiant). Hope somehow convinced James who extremely scared on heights to go on The High Roller which is an enclosed Ferris wheel to see all of Vegas. At the top of The High Roller James and Hope wanted to take some photos together. Hope grabbed James’ trembling hand worried that he was scared of looking out but little did she know he was nervous to ask her to spend the rest of her life with him. Hope was in complete shock even so she didn’t even hear him say “will you marry me?” So in complete Hope fashion she took the beautiful ring out of the box and put it on her finger, with James saying “well is that a yes ?” And of course Hope said “wait I didn’t even hear you ask! YES YES YES.”