James and Keirstin believe they have always been “red-stringed”; a theory that two people who are meant to be in one another’s lives are connected by a red string of fate, always connecting them and bringing them closer together. James and Keirstin grew up in the same town and began their friendship in the 6th grade. They were “high-five buddies” in middle school, sharing a high-five when they saw one another in the hallway. Although they grew apart in high school, they always had many mutual friends between them. When it came time to start applying to colleges, they both were accepted to Iona’s Honors Program. Keirstin’s Mom asked her to consider going to Stony Brook for college, and while Keirstin instead chose to go to Iona College, James ended up going to Stony Brook University instead. Upon high school graduation, James wrote in Keirstin’s yearbook about “rekindling their friendship.” Although it would be a few years later until the red string pulled once again, helping to bring them back together. So, how did we get from there to now? During the summer of 2016, many of the mutual friends that Keirstin and James had made in high school were getting together for a party, which is where they finally started to rekindle their friendship. James and Keirstin started spending more time together through this group of friends. They always ended up talking, making jokes, and just enjoying each other’s company. On July 4th, 2017—how appropriate—the real “spark” finally showed itself, with them watching fireworks together while James had his arm around her. On July 11th, James finally worked up the nerve to ask Keirstin on a date. Once they went on their first date and ordered the same meal, it was pretty much set. James officially asked Keirstin to be his girlfriend on 7/17/17, after Keirstin said so gracefully, “So ask me. You have to actually ask me.” And, well, you probably know the rest. Seven years later, after multiple graduations, job changes, apartments, trips, and outdoor adventures, they’re right here, planning their wedding. And this is where the story gets better—because you all will be a part of it too.