James and Dayle first met at a mutual friend’s birthday celebration in Nashville, Tennessee during their senior year at the University of Cincinnati- James studying accounting and finance, and Dayle in biology. There was an instant connection, and after six months of spending time together, sharing laughs, and building something special, Dayle said yes to being his girlfriend during a spring break trip with friends in the Bahamas. From there, the adventure truly began. Together, they’ve explored incredible places- from the vibrant colors of Mexico to the mountains of Colorado, the streets of Paris, and the charm of the Netherlands. While Dayle was in PA school in Charleston, James visited every month. Charleston quickly became their place: beach days, late-night study sessions, and lots of laughter. When Dayle’s clinical rotations brought her to Charlotte, James moved from Ohio in August 2024 to be closer. They traded long-distance weekends for a lot more time together. On December 7, 2024, James proposed in Charlotte- turning an already special date into the one they’ll now celebrate forever. From the beginning, their relationship has been rooted in faith. James and Dayle have found a church home at Calvary, where they’ve grown through pre-marriage counseling and young couples groups. In 2026, they hope to serve on a mission trip together. Their love is grounded in a shared trust in God- in every joy, challenge, and season. Their wedding theme, The Joy of the Lord, is a reflection of the foundation of their relationship: a joy that doesn’t depend on circumstance, but on a faithful God who brought them together. They are beyond grateful to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by the people who have cheered them on along the way. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13