Our relationship started like so many great love stories….over a mutual fondness for good coffee! We met pre-pandemic when people went into offices every day, and our friendship developed through a group of people that would meet up for coffee in downtown Washington, DC. When the pandemic began, Courtney moved to San Diego and James stayed in DC, however, as a way of staying connected, Courtney began receiving bags of coffee beans in the mail with handwritten notes. James began receiving coffee beans and notes in return and our friendship deepened. As timed passed and with Courtney’s return to DC, coffee meet ups turned into long walks around DC’s monuments and eventually dinner dates, and we realized that we shared a love for so many more things than just coffee. Over time as our love percolated, we made the life-changing decision to welcome Bari the Barista, a mini Labradoodle, into our family. There was no turning back now, and following a wonderful conversation with Courtney’s parents, James asked and was given permission for Courtney’s hand in marriage. In January 2023, Courtney was planning a family photography session for her mom’s birthday. Little did she know, James was conspiring with my family to propose at the end of the photography session. So with family present and the Pacific Ocean as our backdrop, James dropped to a knee and asked me if I would be his coffee buddy and wife for life! We are excited to share our marriage celebration with each of you and look forward to writing our future story with family and friends.