When Ariel was in the market to purchase her first home, James was introduced to her through a mutual friend. Ariel was already working with another agent, but the process was dragging on, leaving her frustrated and open to exploring other options. Ariel agreed to meet James for a Buyer Consultation at East Bay Coffee in Pinole. It was purely business; just two people discussing real estate over coffee. Ariel mentioned that she had one more home to view with her current agent. If that didn’t work out, she promised to give James a shot. As it turned out, Ariel put in an offer on that home, and it was accepted. She politely texted James to let him know she wouldn’t be needing his services after all. James, always the professional, understood and wished her the best. A few weeks later, James checked in with Ariel to see how things were progressing. She assured him everything was going smoothly. Realizing that Ariel wasn’t going to be his client, James decided to change course. He asked Ariel out on a date to celebrate her new accomplishment at Limon in Walnut Creek. To his delight, she agreed. Over dinner, Ariel asked James about his faith and whether it was okay to pray before their meal. In that moment, James knew he had found someone special; someone who shared the same values and faith he held dear. What started as a business meeting quickly blossomed into something much more. Four years later, after navigating life’s ups and downs together, James proposed to Ariel on her 34th birthday at Locanda in Lafayette. With “Will You Marry Me” written on her birthday cake and surrounded by their families, Ariel said yes. Now, we’re excited to embark on the next chapter of our lives together, and in just five months from that day, we’ll say “I do.”