It all started back in 8th grade, when we met as awkward teenagers with very different first impressions. Sara thought James was too cool for her—she even told her friends she would never date him. Little did she know, that awkward guy she dismissed would become her best friend, her partner, and the love of her life. James remembers noticing Sara right away—he thought she was cute and tall. But instead of telling her that, he decided to tease her about wearing sandals in the snow. To be fair, it was May, and nobody expected snow in Colorado, but that playful jab was just the beginning of a bond that would grow stronger every day. We started talking every morning before class, gradually becoming closer. Eventually, James worked up the courage to ask Sara to be his girlfriend, right outside their lockers. It was a simple moment, but one that marked the start of something extraordinary. From there, we navigated the highs and lows of school, homecoming dances, prom nights, and the challenges of surviving a pandemic together. We saw each other through graduations, first jobs, getting drivers’ licenses, and supporting each other’s dreams. In fact, we were lucky enough to buy our first house at 18, and we’ve shared the joy of being responsible for not just a home, but also two cats and a dog named Sol—our little family that keeps life interesting and exciting every day. Over the past six years, we’ve been through so much together, and with every challenge we’ve faced, we’ve only grown stronger as individuals and as a couple. We’ve truly grown up side by side, and as we move into this next chapter, we couldn’t be more excited to build a future filled with love, adventure, and all the moments yet to come. - James + Sara