I've found the one my soul loves

Our story begins in the good old halls of Ballard and McMillan at Whitworth University. Having known of each other through group activities, We were pleasantly surprised when we found each other in the same swim class during jan term of 2018. We became "homework" partners to have an excuse to talk to each other more often. As we grew closer, we found ourselves realizing how much we had in common and how much we liked spending time with each other. (See bottom of the page for our first ever picture together)

Our first date was to Winco at 2am. One of our friends was sick and needed cold medicine and orange juice. We ended up wandering the aisles, taking more time than we needed to. Just outside of the store was where we had our first kiss (romantic, right?). Officially, we started dating January 30th and with Valentine's Day right around the corner, we were conflicted on what to do. Katie mentioned that she would be fine with just going to Taco Bell for dinner, so since that first Valentine's Day, we have gone to Taco Bell every year.

We both had applied for leadership within our Residence Halls (Ballard and McMillan), and served on the Associated Students of Whitworth University for our Junior (James) and Sophomore (Katie) years. During this time, we grew as a couple, as leaders, and as friends as we navigated through the chaos that is being student leaders. Some looked at it as a trial parenthood for us as we grew. We both continued to work for the ASWU for the rest of our time at Whitworth, and continued to develop our strengths as servant leaders.

James proposed to Katie on December 18th 2020 (his parents wedding anniversary). He drove to Katie's parents house and set up electronic tea candles to spell out "K+J Forever" on a deck below a balcony. He then lined the balcony with a poinsettia garland and succulents. He knocked on Katie's door while she was taking her last final, brought her to the balcony, and proposed with a golden snitch ring box. We ordered pizza as our engagement dinner - very fitting for our relationship.

I'm sure we'll say it again on April 30th, but we are so grateful to all of our friends and family for being supportive of our relationship from the very beginning. Each and every one of you reading this message has impacted us in some way, and we are excited to share our love story with you! Our lives are only beginning, and we can't believe we are lucky enough to share this day with you. We'll see you as we walk down the aisle!