Theodora and James first met in 2015, during one brutally hot, humid summer in Gaithersburg, Maryland. They both happened to be completing internships at the same facility. In the beginning, the two of them were only friendly acquaintances. Most of their interactions consisted of talking to mutual friends, and not necessarily deep conversations. However, there was always a lingering connection and circumstances that would allow them different opportunities to interact with one another. Little did they know how their future conversations would flow so naturally and how they would discover the potential for an incredible future relationship that this friendship contained.

After finding out that they went to the same school, James decided to take the leap and start up some conversations toward the end of the summer. It was then that sparks started to fly as they spent hours and hours messaging each other late into the night. When they both finally moved into their dorms for the beginning of the school year, James decided to follow his heart and asked Theodora out on their first date! From that moment on there love story had officially began and the rest is history!

When we asked Theodora and James how they knew marriage was the next chapter in their love story, Theodora shared, “We decided to get married because throughout the years that we were together, we realized that we had a love between us that was so hard to find! We just felt so comfortable around each other, and along with having similar goals and ideas about life, marriage just felt like a natural next step in our relationship. We’ve been together for almost six years now, and (despite COVID delaying the party!) married for almost a year–and we can’t imagine looking back!”

In their free time, Theodora and James love cooking together and experimenting with different recipes, learning new things together, playing games and watching funny tv shows, and breaking out of their comfort zones through new experiences. One of their favorite activities is cuddling up with either tea or coffee, even better if it is cuddling with their big, fluffy dog!

Three values this couple has built their strong relationship on is treasuring each other’s strengths and helping overcome each other’s weaknesses, understanding that achieving lasting personal growth requires patience, and learning that strength as a couple is enhanced through strength as individuals.