Some love stories start with a chance meeting, but ours has been a lifetime in the making.

We’ve known each other for as long as we can remember—our families have been intertwined for generations. James’s Aunt Kathy and Caroline’s mom, Teresa, have been best friends since they were kids, which meant we grew up side by side. From our earliest days at Mrs. Kelly’s preschool to grade school at St. Mary’s, high school at Prep, and even college at Penn State, our paths were always connected. But despite all those years together, we never dated—until 2020.

One night at our favorite bar, Buddy Clarke’s, something just clicked. After years of friendship, we finally saw each other in a new light. The timing was right, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Almost five years later, in October 2024, James popped the question, and Caroline said yes!

Now, we’re beyond excited to say “I do” this November at St. Mary’s—the very place where so many of our childhood memories were made. We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you!