James and Emily's love story began in an unexpected way, through the fitness app Strava. In November 2017, James received a notification that someone named Ian had claimed the "crown" for the fastest run up Anawanda Hill, a segment of road near James's parents' house. Competitive by nature, James immediately went out that evening to reclaim his crown, titling his successful run "Ian, that's my hill."

What James didn't know was that Ian co-hosted a running podcast with his coworker Emily. When Ian mentioned the crown rivalry on their podcast, Emily's mom found James on Instagram and tagged him in a photo. James discovered the podcast, listened to them discussing him, and left a playful comment on their Instagram.

A month later, James visited Fleet Feet, the running shoe store where Ian and Emily worked. When James walked through the door, Emily recognized him immediately. That night, she messaged him on Instagram, and after some witty banter, they agreed to meet for dinner at Spoonwood Brewing. Their first date turned into a tradition of Thursday date nights that continues to this day.

Years later, on May 25, 2024, James proposed to Emily at the top of Anawanda Avenue, the hill that started it all.

On August 30, 2025, they said "I do" at The Maverick in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by friends and family. Their love story had been filled with unexpected turns and incredible people. 8.30.25 was the most beautiful celebration of that journey and the beginning of their next chapter together.