📷 2014: The First Encounter Their story technically started in 2014, though neither of them had any idea at the time. James was filming a marketing video for a small business, and Hannah’s sister, Melanie, had her take part in it. (Classic Melanie.) It was a brief meeting—just a few exchanged words—but afterward, James dropped a line to Mel that Hannah was hot and probably out of his league (his words). Nothing came of it then, but fate (and Melanie) had other plans. (Photo: snapshot of Hannah from video).

🍣 2016: A Sushi Date and a Missed Connection By 2016, Melanie was deep in her mission to bring Hannah back home. Every year Hannah visited for the holidays, Melanie pushed her to move back - that meant dating and applying for jobs. Here would be the first date. Hannah has that date burned in her mind so vividly —the car, the leather jacket, and that smooth "melt you" voice when James just wouldn’t stop talking ( truly a massive part of his amazing charm). This was a good thing, because Hannah was too shy to say much herself. They had sushi near Ross Park Mall—Hannah’s first-ever sushi experience—and the night was easy, and effortless. But just as quickly as they reconnected, Hannah flew back to Colombia, leaving James (and his unanswered Facebook messages) behind. (No pictures from 2016 were taken). (Photo from 2021).

💬 2019: A Long-Overdue Reply In November 2019, Hannah returned particularly early for the holiday season since her best friend and college roommate, Kelly was getting married. Mel was at it yet again - Pittsburgh was where Hannah needed to be. One night, while scrolling through old messages, and trying to just hush Mel up, she said she would find James’ unanswered ones from 2016. Feeling guilty (and maybe a little curious), she replied. Just like that, they picked up right where they had left off. The next day, James picked her up for what felt like their real first date. Neither were "ready" for a relationship, and Mel kept up her encouragement inviting James to Dave and Busters and an escape room and doing what she does best, connecting people. By now it was obvious—this was something special. But Melanie wasn’t done playing cupid. She had spent years orchestrating ways to bring them together, and now that they were dating, she still wasn’t convinced Hannah would stay. So, she took matters into her own hands. Without telling Hannah, she applied for a job on her behalf. Hannah reluctantly agreed to one interview—just to get Melanie off her back. (Photo from 2022).

🎆 New Year’s Eve 2020: Dancing Into Something Special Meanwhile, James made a romantic move of his own. On New Year’s Eve, he and his best friend drove up from Morgantown to Pittsburgh just to spend the night with her. As they danced into the new year, laughing, and realizing that maybe—this was something they didn't want to end. Wouldn't you know, right after the new year rolled around the corner ... she also got the job. (Photo from 2021).

💑 February 14, 2020: Officially Dating As the world started adjusting to changes, they navigated new experiences together, growing stronger than ever. By Valentine’s Day, they made it official. Just in time for the world to change with COVID, and they started their next chapter together.

🔮 Early 2021: Right Where She Needed to Be In January of 2021, Hannah’s dad, Denny, passed away. But before that, James had the opportunity to meet him—to see firsthand the love that shaped Hannah. That final year, spent closer to home, was a gift. It gave Denny a glimpse of how James cared for Hannah and how their future together would unfold. It was a blessing—one that meant everything in the time they had left.

💍 July 14, 2024: The Proposal Four and a half years of adventures, love, amazing food, and unwavering support for each other led them to a breathtaking moment in Iceland. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, James asked Hannah to marry him.