Our story begins in the fourth grade at Florida Christian. James and I were new students that year and seemed to be placed together for many orientations and "back-to-school" sessions. We were mostly shy and exchanged only a few words in passing. Years flew by, and life took us on different journeys until the all-too-memorable COVID-19 pandemic occurred. The lockdowns brought the world to a standstill, forcing us all to retreat into our homes. During those isolated times, our paths crossed ways again, except this time through Instagram. Through comments and direct messages, we slowly rekindled an old connection that had been dormant for years. Three months of anticipation, longing, and virtual "hangouts" passed before we could finally meet again in person. With limited options for outings, we decided to go for a simple yet memorable walk around the neighborhood. As we strolled side by side, sharing laughs and anecdotes, memories of those childhood moments came flooding into our minds. Eventually, we decided to grab a bite to eat and settled on a classic Miami spot, 3 Chefs and a Chicken. Little did we know that this casual dining experience would forever mark the beginning of our adventure together. We talked about our families - him being one of eight and me one of seven, we had more in common than we thought. The bond between us grew stronger with every passing moment, and it became evident that something special was blooming between us. From that day on, we were inseparable. We shared more walks, more meals, and more stories, and with each passing day, we grew closer, creating a bond that felt both familiar and new. It is evident now that those casual Instagram messages, walks around the neighborhood, and even the time-pausing pandemic were all purposely placed into our story by the Lord, who makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him. And so, dear friends and family, it is with immense joy and gratitude that we stand before you today, ready to embark on a new chapter of our lives. Our path began long ago when we were just two shy kids who barely spoke to each other, and now, it has led us to this moment - our wedding day. As we say "I do," we do so with the knowledge that our love story is a testament to the power of the Lord and His perfect timing. Our hearts are filled with love and gratitude for our faith that initially brought us together and our parents who have blessed our relationship throughout. We cannot wait to see what the future will hold! With love, Hannah and James
James and I celebrated our three-year anniversary on a beautiful summer evening at a beachside restaurant in Key Largo. The ambiance was beautiful with the sound of waves and the warm glow of the setting sun. I had no idea this evening would mark a momentous turning point in our lives. After dinner, James suggested a walk on the boardwalk. As we reached a quiet spot, James got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I said "yes" without hesitation and eagerly jumped to hug him! In that instant, we knew we were embarking on a lifetime journey together. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you.