James and Sophie connected online in late spring 2018 and quickly hit it off, officially dating just a few weeks later. By the fall, they met in person for the first time at a Starbucks in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and again when James visited for Christmas the following year. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship during the ups and downs of college, the turmoil of being in one's twenties, and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, their bond only grew stronger, reinforced by a love and commitment to one another not only as loving partners, but as cherished friends.

In July of 2022, after Sophie had graduated and gotten her first post-grad job, James popped the question, and Sophie said yes! By November, he had moved to Cincinnati to close the distance and finish his degree.

Although both of their work schedules are demanding, they make the most of their time together, co-parenting their two cats, Smoky and Cinder, and enjoy taking care of their tropical fish.