James and Mikayla had known of each other for a while, but it wasn’t until they were both invited to a gathering featuring a competitive game of Uno that they truly connected. For anyone who knows them, it’s clear they take Uno very seriously. After some playful bantering, lots of laughter (and, of course, Mikayla winning), James left to play with the band, and Mikayla left soon after. But when James returned and found she was gone, he realized they shared something special. Their friendship quickly blossomed, and what started as casual hangouts in groups soon evolved into them needing a chaperone. On August 22, 2023, they began dating, and just over a year later, on October 20, 2024, James proposed. Through the months of getting to know each other, their love deepened, and together they’ve built a life full of joy—complete with several pets they’ll cherish for years to come.