James and Teresa met via eHarmony. Their similar profiles caused them to be matched, and communication started on Aug. 16, 2007. They breezed through the on-line communication process, and quickly began to converse via telephone.

James traveled to Herndon, VA to visit Teresa in person for the first time in October 2007. They spent the weekend engrossed in meaningful conversation, sharing their life histories, much laughter, and delighting in the fun of being together. After several visits and many more conversations, James knew that this was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Six months to the day (Feb. 16, 2008), James proposed.

James prepared a memorable proposal tailored for the woman he loves. Teresa and James spent Saturday night, Feb. 16, attending a music-filled production of "Ella" in Crystal City, VA. Afterwards, they dined at "The Bistro," a nearby restaurant. They sat at a table for two by a window, and ordered their meals. James presented a mini-booklet he'd created (with colorful graphics) entitled "My Declaration of Love." James read to Teresa the contents of the mini-booklet which contained excerpts about marriage from a book the two of them had read, and four pages describing in detail all the things he loved about her. Some of the elements were romantic, others humorous - she was touched by all he shared. Then, knowing her love for words and word games, he presented her with a puzzle to unscramble. She quickly solved it: "Pumpkin [a name James alone uses], will you marry me?" James then got down on one knee, asked the question himself, and placed the ring on her finger. She said "Yes!"