James & Leith

James and Leith's story began back in 2014 when the two, both 20 year-old college students, were out at their local bar, The RE (Royal Exchange). Leith had drawn the short straw this week and was the designated driver for her college roommates. Undeterred Leith noticed a group of young gents and more specifically the strikingly handsome James in the corner. Deciding to play matchmaker, Leith marched over to the group introducing herself and her friends. Striking up a conversation with some of Leith’s friends, James was determined to find out more about this young lady in black, who appeared to be striking up a friendly conversation with one of James’ friends.

Later in the evening, the well-intoxicated James ran into the well-sober Leith at the bar. Having had a couple of hours to find out a bit about Leith – her name, where she was from and what she was studying, James used the best pick up line he could conjure up… Something about his mum having the same name (yes there will soon be two Leith’s in the family). Safe to say Leith (not Mother) was unimpressed with the effort and preoccupied with herding cats (intoxicated Uni students) swiftly ended the conversation and began the taxi run home.

The next day the two, unbeknown to each other, set out to find out more information about one another through mutual friends and some heavy social media stalking. A week went by with neither willing to make the first move until Leith's 21st birthday with a few vodka fire-engines under her belt and the peer pressure of ten screaming girls, built up the courage to add him on Facebook and send a super endearing message: "Hi". James, who was playing Nintendo with his mates at the time stopped, smiled and said, "Fellas, she messaged me".

The two met up for coffee the next day, and as they say, the rest is history. Seven years on and the two have travelled the world together, moved cities, bought a house, formed life-long friendships, somehow kept their beloved dog Archie alive, and survived many ski trips of Leith yelling at James when he encourages her to challenge herself (to the amusement of bystanders). To cement their love for one another James dropped one knee while the two were eating nachos in their backyard in May 2020. Leith and James can't wait to share their special day with the people who have been such a big part of their lives and celebrate with the ones they love the most!