written in the stars

On an early April evening in 2013, a young, carefree, Oakland-based Beth met a young, cautious James who had just moved back to Pittsburgh after a stint in Philadelphia. Both being freshly returned to the burgh and recent Penn State grads, they talked as if they'd already known each other, over margaritas and a quesadilla (Beth refused to eat dinner with him, because that would be too much like a date. Drinks only - she was NOT getting serious. Oops.). James walked Beth the three blocks home while she peppered him with weird personal questions like "who is your celebrity man crush?" and would-you-rathers. Once home, Beth watched him through the window because she had plans to meet friends and needed to leave again. Meanwhile, James had yet to figure out the Pittsburgh bus system (this was pre-Uber!) and wandered around, getting cash and getting lost. The beginning of a classic love story. That Oakland night turned into a fast-paced, love-filled summer that set the tone for the rest of their lives. In 2015, they moved into a Squirrel Hill apartment together and in 2016 they adopted an angel golden retriever, Murray. In 2017, they brought their crazy love to Chicago, where they currently live with their dog and two cats.

The weekend after Beth's 30th birthday, James told her he had a weekend surprise planned and to pack a bag. Over a delicious dinner (margaritas and quesadillas - sensing a theme?), James said they were going to Lake Geneva and they needed to get the keys to a lake house from his boss. They knocked on the door to what Beth thought was a coworker's apartment, only to find 12 of their closest friends in an Airbnb as a birthday surprise! The next morning, the group was heading to brunch and stopped for photos along Lake Michigan. Beth's friends posed her facing her new city and when she turned around, James was on one knee! Murray even stopped by for the big moment!