Jason and Kim’s story began like all great modern love stories that started during the pandemic – online! No one remembers exactly who reached out to whom first, but once they connected, they started talking and didn’t stop. They would hop on phone calls from the moment they woke up, text message feverishly throughout the day, and spend hours on FaceTime after finishing their workday, often with Jason having to kiss a sleepy Kim goodnight through the screen as she slowly faded away, falling asleep with her laptop open on her bedside. From the very beginning, the two of them were inseparable and seemed to have no shortage of topics to converse about. One day, they decided to finally meet up and that day just happened to be New Year’s Eve. A special day for their special budding love story. And after such an awful year (2020) Kim and Jason both felt that there would be no better way to welcome in the fresh new year with their new romance.

Once they met in person, Kim was a lot shyer and more reserved than Jason thought she would be after two weeks of chatter. Initially, Jason wasn’t sure if Kim liked him the way that he liked her. The reality was that Kim was just nervous and trying to be cool as a cucumber so that the butterflies she was feeling didn’t make her say or do anything silly. On that evening, after they had dinner at Lillie’s, they sat together and watched Ru Paul’s Drag Race until the final countdown. After the ball dropped, Kim left to go walk her dogs (Ziggy and Zoey) which was a standard part of her nightly routine, unfortunately, however, Jason thought that it was a sign that Kim just wasn’t that into him. The next morning, Jason sent Kim a text message saying that it was nice to meet her and that, if she wasn’t interested, she shouldn’t feel obligated to come back. What Jason didn’t know is that Kim liked him very much and couldn’t wait to come back to see him again. They have been inseparable ever since and often laugh at the horribly awkward first date experience they shared. In fact, they use it as a reminder not to overthink the small things or take life too seriously.

Shortly after their first date, Jason got a new job and a new apartment closer to Kim. Although at the time, Kim told Jason to find something that worked for him, Jason knew that before long everyone would be together so he made sure that the new apartment would be able to accommodate himself, his 3 cats, Kim, and her two dogs. A few months later, sure enough, everyone was together full-time and living as a happy blended family.

Ever since the beginning, Jason and Kim’s relationship can be summed up in one word – comfortable. Both of their lives have only gotten immeasurably better since they met each other and anyone who has seen them together has clearly seen how happy they make each other, and the love they share for one another. Anyone who knew Jason before he met Kim can surely attest to the newfound light heartedness and happiness that emanates from him-that were not previously a part of Jason’s default state of being. Kim, who mostly witnesses Jason’s happiness now that they are together, sometimes doesn’t realize just how essential she is in making Jason’s life fulfilling. And Kim, who has had her share of bumps in the road, couldn’t be happier than she currently is with the man whom she considers to be the love of her life by her side.  Jason’s intelligence, benevolence and determination are wonderful compliments to Kim’s inquisitiveness, sunny and ambitious disposition.

Over the course of their journey together thus far, Jason and Kim have been on several adventures, both overseas and in the good old US of A. However, no matter where they are or what they’re doing, they savor every moment spent side by side.

Despite previous discussions about engagement and a future together, Jason managed to completely surprise Kim by proposing on New Year’s Eve 2022, with the blessings of Allie and Brendan, who had celebrated their own wedding that night. Jason’s proposal unfolded in a way that Kim had never anticipated. Notably, this proposal marked the second anniversary of their first date. Now, they invite you to be a part of the next chapter in their love story by joining them for their wedding ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, in the fall of 2024.