08.22.2026

The day we met was funny, unexpected (in the best way) & is one of my favorite stories to tell! It was my best friend Ashleigh's, birthday party. I walked into her house- said hi to everyone, then I walked into the living room and there was James. I remember thinking "Oh my gosh who is THAT?!" I was at my best friend's house pretty often, but I had never seen him before. Shortly after, I was introduced to another one of Ashleigh's friends. My first reaction was "Oh no, that must be her boyfriend & I was totally checking him out. My bad!" So, I didn't talk to James for the rest of the evening. I do remember thinking about how kind & respectful he was, he thanked everyone for inviting him & for the food. Then he helped clean up. He was also great with all the kids. He seemed like a great guy. Some time had passed & her friend asked for a ride home. Ashleigh asked me if I wanted to come with, of course, I said yes. We get into the car- then her friend gets in the car, but James is nowhere to be found. We drop her friend off & I ask Ashleigh, "Where is her man?" She laughs at me & said "What? She doesn't have a man" Then I'm thinking okay, maybe he is single? So, I asked about him, found out he is one of Ray's best friends & that he asked about me too. I decide to add him on Facebook. He accepts my request, and then........ Nothing! So, I ask Ray, is he going to message me? I thought he asked about me? Ray says he's waiting for me. I said "Nope! I added him first, so he can message me first" (little did James know, this was foreshadowing to how stubborn his wife would be) Not too long after I get a message "Hi! My name is James, it was really nice to meet you at the party" I thought it was so cute, cause dude, I can see your name on messenger! It still makes me laugh. After we talked for a few days he asked me on a date, we were both pretty nervous. So, we made it a double date with our best friends. This was probably the best thing we could have done, because we were both unapologetically ourselves. After we all finished eating & the date was over, he walked me to my car, opened my door & then gave me the world's most awkward hug. We still tease each other about it. But I left with butterflies in my stomach & I was smiling from ear to ear. Later that night, he got off work and came to Ashleigh & Ray's. We played games until we could barely keep our eyes open. He had to work the next day & had to leave. So, I walked him out to his car. As I was turning around to go back inside, he grabbed my hand & pulled me in for a kiss. It felt like something out of a movie. I went inside & found our best friends acting like they hadn't been watching from the window the entire time. Looking back, I love how involved our best friends are in our story. From then on, we have been inseparable. I knew right away that he was my person. He made all the cliché sayings and corny love songs relevant. & now I spend every day thankful for the life we have built together. A life with him & our kids is my happily ever after!