I have big news...

I have big news…

I tried a Nitro Cold Brew at Starbucks for the first time this weekend.

Kidding.

While to a Starbucks lover like me that is pretty exciting news, that isn’t the actual big news I have to share. Actually,

James and I are getting married!

Ahhh! I know! Crazy, right? I’d like to say I didn’t see this coming, but in actual fact, he and I knew we were meant for each other right from the git go.

We are a true love-at-first-sight story. From our very first video call, we knew we’d found something truly unforgettable and irreplaceable and that was completely solidified when I traveled to England last winter to visit him.

James and I just understand and respect each other on a level that I couldn’t find anywhere else. He is my perfect other half. So, a few weeks back, we went for a video call date where we both had picnics on our local beaches and he recited poetry and gave me the loveliest proposal speech ever and I, of course, said yes.

I’ve never had so much fun with a partner in all my life and I couldn’t be more excited to spend the rest of my days laughing alongside James. ❤️💕

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Now, I’m sure there are a ton of questions, both from you all and from folks we love who might be reading this, so allow me to address some of those for you.

Where will you both be living?

James and I are in the process of moving him to Florida with me. We are so eager and excited to start our lives together and currently, the good old USA is the best place for us to get to do that. So, he will be moving in with me as soon as his visa gets approved.

Where and when will you be getting married?

We are eloping end of this year or very early next year, visa depending, in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. We’ve done a ton of thinking about this and it’s the right decision for us. We’d love to have a big party/ceremony/reception later on after the pandemic and borders will allow for it, though.

Where’s your ring?

I’ve never been one for a big diamond ring thing. They are often unethically sourced and also very traditional and I rarely do what’s commonly done. Plus, I hate the idea that I’d get a big fancy ring and then the usual practice is for my partner to get the short end of the stick with his ring. No thanks. So, we are designing our own matching solid gold Signet rings with his family crest on them - inspired by the incredible Scottish Signet ring I’ve been wearing since 2015. Signet rings are also traditionally for men, too, so being a woman, that’s a bit of a feminist nod, which is pretty badass.

Who’s idea was this? Do you feel like it’s the right timing?

Both of ours and yes, absolutely. We are so right for one another and I won’t speak for James, but I cannot wait to be reunited with him and never have to part ways again. I couldn’t be more excited!

How do your families and friends feel about this?

We are so, so lucky to have THE MOST lovely family and friends supporting us with this decision. Everyone on both sides has been wonderfully supportive and loving and they have really reassured us to we are making the right decision. It’s been such an overwhelmingly positive announcement and we couldn’t be happier.

When will you find our about James’ visa?

The paperwork has already been filed and the entire process can take anywhere from 5 months (on the uber-short end) to over a year (on the uber-long end). The end of April will mark month 1 for us, so we will keep everyone posted on how it’s all going when we hear more. After this stage, James has an interview and medical exam to look forward to, so everyone send all the positive energy our way, please and thanks. 😘

Now for the fun stuff - tell us about the wedding?

James is wearing a kilt with his family tartan and I’m going full non-traditional for my dress. Nothing is off the table for consideration for me. Skirt, sweater, full lace… who knows what I’ll choose. I currently have my parents, James, and best friend Nicole helping me narrow down the list. I’ll let you all know when any decisions have been made. So far, all I’ve chosen is my shoes. #priorities Haha

We do have our photographer chosen though. We have decided that the INCREDIBLY TALENTED Emett Joseph (website linked here and Instagram linked here) is the perfect fit for us. We’ve met with him and his energy is wonderfully contagious and his photography skills will showcase our day exactly how we envision it. We couldn’t be more elated we found him!

As for the rest of the day, nothing has been decided yet. We’re just looking forward to planning our unconventional and beautiful day one step at a time.

Will James be moving into your current apartment?

Yes, but only briefly. My lease is up in May of 2022. So, once it gets close to finishing up, he and I will have all the fun getting to pick our next place together. We’re thinking somewhere closer to the beach is definitely in order. 🏝

What will James do about working?

James is an incredibly intelligent Engineer with a pretty impressive resume. While this does mean he will have to look for another job once he arrives, I don’t think he’ll have too much trouble finding one. Jacksonville is ripe with engineering roles, so the choice is his, really. But, if anyone knows of anywhere in the area that’s looking for a kickass Mechanical or Operational Engineer, feel free to let me know.

Hopefully, that helped clear things up a little. If anyone is curious about anything else relating to our news, just leave me a comment below or send me a message here and I’ll be happy to answer it for you.

I have to say, things for me have changed so much since this time last year and I literally couldn’t be happier about it all. I am simply over the moon with how my life has turned around. I am living proof that you can change your life for the incredible if you work hard enough. I’d be nowhere without the love and support of my best friend Nicole and marvelous parents and now perfect Fiance James. My heart is so full. 💕

A massive thank you to everyone who has been following along on my journey. I see you all and love you all with everything I have. These next months are going to absolutely life-changing and I am looking forward to every single minute.

Sending so much love to everyone reading this. I hope you all find your way to the happiness that I’ve found lately. There is so much to look forward to in this life if you just keep looking.

Write On!

Xoxox