C + J

In August 2023, Casey moved across the country to Gypsum, Colorado to pursue her dream -- to live in the mountains and become an elementary school teacher. Finding her person was always tucked somewhere within her and, yes, she was hoping she would be lucky enough to find that person in Colorado, but it would be a wonderful addition to the life she had already chased. After a few months of settling in, focusing on friendships, her new job, and college classes, she decided to "test the waters" of the dating world. Her favorite coffee shop in the area, Color Coffee, was hosting their first ever "Speed-dating / Friending" event, in hopes to create a space for those in the community seeking connection. After messaging friends, asking everyone if it was too cringey, and getting over her self pride and anxiety, she decided to sign up. At the worst, it would be a flop. If it went well, she'd meet some new friends. At best, she'd meet her forever person. What she wasn't prepared for was to meet amazing friends and meet the best guy. After hoping for a chance to get to talk to the guy she made eye contact with didn't go as planned, eventually James made his way over into Casey's circle to mingle. Casey could pick up that James was interested and was a man with a plan, and James caught Casey's drift that she wanted to talk. As the event began ending, the sparks between them were just beginning (and maybe the drinks were flowing, too?!). As everyone exchanged phone numbers, James asked Casey for hers and if she would like to chat some more. Another 2 hours went by, and all James did was listen listen listen as Casey word vomited on him in nervous excitement. They agreed at the end of the night to see each other again that weekend. As the excitement arose, the stress of Christmas shopping, grading, and upcoming travel wore on Casey. When James leaned in, she pulled away in nervousness of letting him down or him fully seeing her depletion. Unfortunately, after another meet-up, Casey *tried* to let James down easy (cue self-fufilling prophecy*). James, being James, was persistent. He tried everything -- giving options of being friends, seeing each other one more time, the whole gambit. But Casey, being Casey, was stubborn. She decided to end things, because like usual, she was VERY in her head. Later that week, Casey went to dinner with her co-workers and mulled over the entire story with them over Mexican food. At one point, she looks up, and straight across the restaurant from her is James... again. Two days later, as she graded papers at the coffee shop, she looks up again and sees James' mom. It was becoming more and more clear that this town wasn't big enough for the both of us. (Yeehaw, welcome to Gyptucky! Population: 2) Casey traveled home to Kentucky for the holidays, and James stayed in Colorado with family. Neither of them communicated. Until... Christmas Eve. Casey decided to overanalyze the story with her sister and cousin. After trying to explain if from every angle, both her sister Kelly & cousin Emily left her with one question: well, what's wrong with the guy? And Casey had no answer. So, she decided, right then and there to text James for a second chance. Yes, indeed, on Christmas Eve. The timing? Impeccable. James was taken off-guard and confused, but agreed to hang out with Casey again when she got back from Colorado. Since then, the conversation never ended. Casey apologized and owned up to everything to James, and James just listened listened listened, just like Day 1. Ever since, Casey & James have traveled, hiked, mountain biked, ran, camped, skied, snowboarded, and danced together every step of their relationship. They got engaged in the San Juan Mountains in Ouray, Colorado on Saturday, August 30, 2025. And they are so excited to celebrate with each & every one of you :)