In early 2020, Lydia and James met at the onset of a new podcast season for The Convo L&E in Charlotte, NC. The team consisted of two groups, one men’s and one women’s but occasionally the entire cast would get together to record coed episodes. That’s when sparks started to fly. To this day James is convinced that Lydia put some sort of “magical love dust” in his whiskey, but if you ask Lydia, she’d tell you it was just her naturally sweet charm. But who would have thought that a single trip to the grocery store together to grab drinks for the group would turn into a number exchange, and ultimately the start of a connection that would extend beyond the podcast?

April 3rd (2020) will forever hold a special place in Lydia and James's history. Not only was this their first date, but it was also the start of lockdowns in Charlotte due to COVID-19. Because of this, Lydia and James had a unique dating experience where creativity ruled above all else. With everything being closed, it forced them to spend date nights in, talking, listening to music, creating, cooking restaurant quality meals at home, and truly just getting to know one another.

Lydia’s family came down for Memorial Day last year and ever since, Charlotte became stamped as an annual place to gather for the holiday. With that, Lydia wanted to step it up a notch for 2022 and plan an all white dinner party. In conversation, Lydia and James thought it would be great to bring both families together for the first time. The day arrived and everyone chipped in to help with setting up, decorating, preparing food, and getting all of the finishing touches in place. Lydia’s brother Tim was the only person missing which she was bummed about. Shortly after the party started, however, James pulled off the ultimate surprise! As James's father was preparing to bless the food, the back door opened and out walked Tim! Lydia was ecstatic , and very surprised. As the night progressed, Lydia wanted to take time to recognize each individual at the party and share some things they were all proud of themselves for achieving with James being last to go. He started off by recognizing his parents and their 42 years of marriage before he turned to Lydia. Upon turning, he looked Lydia in her eyes and shared a few words before pulling out his chair and getting down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage. Lydia’s jaw dropped, her hands covered her face, and tears flowed. To have both families together along with both of James’s children meant everything. It was…perfect.