in a nutshell...

We first met in 2016 while we were both students at Fordham University. It was during auditions for a Chinese New Year celebration. Lu was there with friends to try out for a special musical performance, and James auditioned right after. Something clicked immediately. A few weeks later, after an unforgettable night watching Sleep No More , we officially became a couple.

Over the years, we’ve weathered quite a few rounds of long-distance: Columbus–New York, Columbus–China, Columbus–Delaware. It wasn’t always easy, but we found ways to make it work—thanks to patience, laughter, and a lot of video calls.

In December 2024, we celebrated a Chinese-style engagement ceremony with our families in Changsha, China, where we were formally recognized by one another’s families.

A few months later, on June 26, 2025, James proposed during a trip to Assateague Island. We went out to spot stars in the quiet darkness, caught sight of the Milky Way, and waited for the sunrise. As the sun rose and wild ponies passed by, James asked the question we had both already answered in our hearts.

Since we now live far from our families, and our immediate family members won’t be able to travel to the U.S. for the ceremony, we’ve chosen to elope at Sequoia National Park—exchanging vows in nature, witnessed by one of the oldest living beings on Earth. While the ceremony itself will be private, we’ve always known we wanted to mark this milestone with you—our close friends and chosen family.