Tree diagram illustration showing various branches

Wayyy back in the summer of 2009, Josie and Jade swam for the same team, the Chester Riptides. They barely knew each other, but Josie remembers Jade always being strokes ahead in the pool and just as effortlessly friendly outside of it.

Child's sketch of a swimming pool with ladders, lane dividers, and two stick figure people, labeled 'Circa 2009'.

Flash forward ten years, and Jade walks into the Starbucks where Josie worked, looking for a job. As baristas, they became instant friends, sharing every detail of their lives with one another and hanging out at any free moment between school and shifts.

Cartoon drawing of a Starbucks cafe with two smiling stick figures holding drinks outside, small tables and chairs in front.

Through sheer courage and a healthy dose of false confidence, Josie confessed her feelings to Jade one night in her 1999 Toyota. After months of telling him he was too short for her (oops), she realized how wrong she was. This began their official relationship, just before Josie jetted off to her freshman year at Auburn University.

Cartoon drawing of two stick figures in a car, one says "I like you" with a heart between them, the other responds "OK!"

But don’t worry, Jade wasn’t far behind! They spent a few years at Auburn together, where they could be seen in the stands at almost every football game and oneeeee too many nights at Skybar downtown.

Child's drawing of a large building with towers and clock, featuring two stick figures standing in front on a path.

Fortunately, both Jade and Josie were eager for something new after graduation. Soon after moving back to New Jersey, they decided to move to New York! They spent a year living on the Upper East Side , where they had some good times with their roommate Colleen (heyyy Colleen). Jade spent many weeks walking routes around Central Park, with Josie completely oblivious as to why…

Illustration of city buildings with trees, people, and pets.

On the weekend before Josie’s 23rd birthday in July of 2024, her friend Rachel flew in from Nashville to spend time with her (or so she thought). As Josie, Rachel, Colleen, and Jade walked around Central Park, Josie complained about being hungry and wanting to go to dinner, completely unaware of what was coming. Then, in his perfect pre-picked spot, Jade got down on one knee and asked her to marry him! She said yes, duh.

Cartoon of person proposing under trees with a ring and heart symbol.

Now officially engaged, Josie and Jade are enjoying life in the East Village, soaking up the city while planning their wedding. With Jade enjoying being so close to the Knicks and Josie always finding something new to do in the city, they’re in no rush to leave Manhattan anytime soon :)