Our Story told by Jim

Abbie and Jim’s love story began in the most unexpected way. It started at work—Abbie’s very first job out of college, and Jim had returned to the company after a few years away. Though they worked in different departments, their paths crossed from time to time, but it wasn’t until a few casual strolls after work that something more began to spark.

Abbie, along with her manager Stacy, would walk out to the parking lot together each day, and Jim, a longtime friend of Stacy’s, would often join them. But when Stacy’s schedule changed and no longer joined the walks, Abbie and Jim kept up the routine—those five-minute strolls to the parking lot became a cherished part of their day. Despite the growing connection, neither of them considered dating—after all, they assumed the other would probably laugh the idea off, especially with the age gap between them.

Jim’s occasional flirtations, however, went unnoticed by Abbie. She sometimes questioned herself if he was flirting but typically came to the conclusion, “nah.” But one day, a conversation at work completely changed the dynamic. A colleague suggested they should date, and Jim—who had been quietly hoping this moment might come—nervously agreed. He quickly retreated to his office, embarrassed at the thought of Abbie turning him down.

Later that day, Abbie came into Jim’s office with a smile and said, "Well, I guess we’re going on a date?" They both laughed, not believing how quickly things had shifted. When their first date came around, the original plan had to be canceled, but Abbie, ever resourceful, suggested they go for drinks instead. Jim happily agreed, and although they were both nervous, the conversation flowed effortlessly. It was the start of something special.

Their first date took place on Abbie’s sister Tory’s birthday, and it became a cherished memory. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. The bond between them grew stronger, and Jim gifted Abbie a small music box that played Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley. That night, they shared their first “I love you.”

As time passed, they took a big step—deciding to move in together. With leases expiring, rising rent, and the natural progression of their relationship, it felt like the right choice. Christmas that year was their first spent together as a couple under one roof, and around that time Jim surprised Abbie with the announcement that he had been looking into getting them another dog. Abbie had always loved golden retrievers, but Jim had an idea—a mix breed. Since both Abbie and Jim were Irish, he found a breeder selling Irish Goldens, a beautiful mix of golden retrievers and Irish setters. They brought home their puppy, Murphy, in April 2024, and their little family felt complete.

As the months passed, Abbie couldn’t help but wonder when Jim might pop the question. She did have an idea it was coming but no idea when, and Jim had been planning it all along. One Saturday evening in the fall, Jim made dinner plans at a restaurant they had already been to, but he pulled into a park nearby, claiming he had messed up the reservation time. They had thirty minutes to kill, and Jim suggested they walk over to a pretty gorge overlook. Abbie, excited for the view, wandered ahead. When she turned to speak to Jim, she was greeted by him holding a ring.

“I had planned a speech, but now that I’m starting to talk, I can’t think of what I was going to say,” Jim said, fumbling his words. “So I’m just going to say: I love you, Abbie Barrett. Will you marry me?”

It turns out, it didn’t matter what Jim said, Abbie didn’t hear a word of it! She was already laughing with tears in her eyes, overwhelmed with joy, and of course, she said, “Yes!”

The date was October 19th, a day that turned out to be even more special than they could have imagined. Not only was it the day Jim proposed, but it was also her grandfather’s birthday—a meaningful coincidence that would forever tie the day to their love story.

Abbie and Jim’s journey together has been filled with beautiful moments, surprises, and a growing bond that’s only deepened over time. Soon, they will stand at the beginning of their next great adventure, surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who mean the most to them. We are so happy to have you to celebrate with them on their incredibly special day!

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