When you think of the most romantic cities, does Baltimore come to mind? For Jamie and Kevin, it does now! In 2014, Jamie moved to Baltimore to continue as a nurse-midwife. Two years later, Kevin arrived in Charm City, to pursue a PhD at Johns Hopkins University. Neither of them expected that the summer of 2019 would be the one where they found their forever love. It may be cliché, but guys can be clueless. Kevin had started going to a local rock climbing gym and, one day, a friend’s friend brought another friend—Jamie. Kevin didn’t know, but it was a setup--shout out to our wonderful friend and matchmaker, Lisa Spencer! After multiple outings as rock climbing partners, Jamie and Kevin were interested in each other but neither made the first move. Jamie had told her sister, Sam, all about this “handsome, smart, and interesting guy” from the climbing gym, but she wanted to let him make the first move. In September Jamie went to a Billie Holiday tribute concert with Sam, and her husband, Ben. Sam was overdue in her pregnancy and as they sat on the grass, making bets on when the baby would come, they heard someone say, “Jamie??” It was the “handsome, smart and interesting guy” from the climbing gym! The following days would be among the most meaningful of Jamie’s life. In a 24 hour span, her niece, Sophie was born into her hands and she went on her first date with the love of her life, Kevin. Jamie and Kevin now have a living anniversary reminder in the form of little miss Sophie Strauss.

In true quarantine fashion they got engaged in their home, in their loungewear, over take-out. It was simple and perfect. The following day, they were able to make the social distancing rounds in DC and on Zoom to celebrate with loved ones.

Though we are all living in strange and difficult times, they present an opportunity to think deeply about what we value and how we want to participate in our world. We feel incredibly lucky to have found a partner in one another another who shares our values, interests, and dreams. In order to keep our loved ones safe we chose to exchange our vows in a private courthouse ceremony on November 16, 2020. We look forward to sharing our joy by celebrating with all of you as soon as the universe allows:-) Love to you all, Jamie + Kevin