During the COVID season of 2020, James and Ashleigh both decided to join Facebook online dating. Ashleigh noticed James's profile picture. In the background was the set of a favorite Christian band "For King and Country". Ashleigh decided to send a simple "Hi" and give it a shot. Oh, she also thought James was pretty good-looking ;). Conversation flowed and a first date was set. They decided on attending church as their love for the Lord is an important part of their relationship.

Since the beginning of Ashleigh and James's relationship, Noelridge park in Cedar Rapids, IA has been a special place. It is where they decided to become an official couple dating and it is where Ashleigh told James she loved him for the first time. Because this spot is so special, James worked with one of Ashleigh's best friends to pull off a surprise on Easter Sunday 2021 (April 4, 2021). There were pictures strung on the banister of their dates over the months and flower petals or pellets as James referred to them lol were thrown about. The wind was not the flower petal's best friend. James and Ashleigh shared a beautiful private moment where James asked Ashleigh to marry him and she excitedly said "of course I will marry you!".