How We Met:
James and I both attended Gonzaga University. However, during our time there neither of us really crossed paths. I knew of him thru friends, but we never really connected. Although, I distinctly remember one night at our favorite local spot, Jack and Dans, locking eyes with him and thinking to myself that I would always remember that moment. I wasn’t sure why at the time, but I know now.
Years passed and I was living with his cousin, Maria Barnes, at the time. Maria and I decided to hit up the Fremont OctoberFEST. It was POURING that night. We bundled up in our rain jackets and hit the town. I was standing in the rain sipping on my beer and I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and there was James. He said to me with a huge grin on his face, “Do you know who I am?” I replied, “Of course I know who are you… you’re James Solan”. He and I both smiled… I didn’t want it going to his head that I knew so I just played it off like, yeah yeah, I know who you are. He always says in that moment when I turned around all he saw was my face tucked in my rain jacket and my huge smile that stole his heart away.
From that little spark the rest is really history. We both flirted away for the next few months with lots of late nights filled with playing darts, singing karaoke, and late nights with our favorite girl Maria. He officially asked me out on Valentines Day 6 years ago. Thru the years we’ve been thru so much together, but with everything, it has always brought us closer.
It has been truly life changing meeting James. His zest for life, fun, and adventure is endless. His love for Gonzaga, family and friends has brought so much happiness into my life. He’s my best friend and I really can’t believe I get to have him by my side for the rest of my life. Jackpot!
Engagement Story:
It was a beautiful Christmas morning. I was with my family sipping coffee, enjoying the time just being home and having James with me. My Dad started mumbling something about how he forgot to put some items in the stockings and asked my mom to help him find the things upstairs. I didn’t think anything of it…this was typical parent behavior. So they headed upstairs…
James and I were sitting by the tree and he began to say some very sweet things about our relationship and what I meant to him. It seemed as though he was getting nervous about something, so to distract me he said, “Hey, which present are you most excited about?” I replied, “Well I don’t know. They are all still wrapped (duh), but I guess that one over there.” When I looked back at him he had the ring out and said, “How about spending the rest of your life with me?” From there, I basically started jumping up and down, exclaiming “Really? Really? Really??!!” I of course said yes and quickly asked, “Do my parents know?” Of course they did too. I went to go see them and there they were standing at the top of the stairs cheering and crying together. It was such a beautiful moment to share with them. I’ll always be so grateful to James for asking me in such a special place to me, my childhood home.
Vendor List:
Church: St. Aloysuis, Priest: Father Steven Kuder, Coordinator: Kathy Yates
Venue: History Davenport
Floral: Davenport Floral
Videographer: Matt Green Films
Wedding Coordinator: Jaime Johnson Events
Hair: Terri Reece
Makeup: The Makeup Studio, Julie Farley
DJ: Big Show
Dress: Unveiled Bridal
Ifong Chen Weddings 