Both from the Triangle area, Lance and James grew up attending nearby schools, N.C. State and UNC, but were able to set their rivalries aside when they first realized there was truly something special about the other. While both decided to go their separate ways after their first date, their paths continued to cross and they couldn’t help but think that this might mean something. After growing on their own and running into each other every once in a while, James started a kickball team during the summer of 2019 and knew just who he wanted on his team. After reaching out and meeting over a beer in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Lance was convinced to join the team and it only took a single season before the two were an item :)

While we have the biggest smile on our faces from writing the beginning of their love story, you should probably know that it only gets better from here!

Lance and James lived in downtown Raleigh, just a block away from each other, and often enjoyed the convenience of the city and all that it had to offer! While fostering an amazing community in the area, the two were also faced with the challenges of COVID early on in their relationship. While this time led to some drastic changes in their lives, it also marked the moment that the two knew there was something quite special here and not something they were ever (emphasis on “ever” !!!) wanting to let go! So… if the start of their love story hasn’t already captivated your full attention, check out all the things that we got the inside scoop on during our time with them!

Lance: “Getting through some of those first growing pains in the first few months were also solidifying that this was exactly what and who I want - that was when I knew.”

James: “There were some real benefits and real trials of living together but coming out of this summer when we got to experience things opening back up and being public with our relationship - that was when I really knew.”

Lance: “My favorite thing about James is that we are very different - I am very outspoken and quick to anger and James is really good at calling me out on my BS and talking to me about things we disagree on. He is very direct and, in the moment, I get upset but I quickly remind myself that James has my very best interest in mind at all times and is one of the very few people that make me feel that way.”

“It’s knowing that my partner always has the best Lance in mind… in all areas”

James: “My favorite thing about Lance is that he has a huge personality - he commands every room he walks into and is just so fun to be around!”

THEIR ENGAGEMENT:

After both having the “moment” around the same time, they had still not talked about what the future held for them but this didn’t refrain Lance (and come to find out - James as well) from buying a ring and starting to plan out the proposal. Lance decided that the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 27th, 2021, was going to be the day and made a reservation at their favorite restaurant, Jolie. After exchanging laughs and stories over an amazing meal, the two began their walk home from dinner and Lance kneeled down with the biggest smile on his face right outside the Capitol building. James' face quickly matched Lances and the two both died laughing when James told Lance he also had a ring and was planning on proposing soon. Quickly after returning home, James got down on one knee and the two were grinning from ear to ear the rest of the evening.

Lance: “It was so important for us to get married in Raleigh but not just Raleigh but downtown Raleigh. Also, we wanted a place that was naturally pretty that didn’t need a ton of decorating and that was the main thing that really sold Merrimon Wynne to us!

James: “Merrimon-Wynne was so important to us after we saw the venue. It just worked out so nicely - it was so easy to see how we could make Merrimon Wynne our own and it just felt different compared to other places”

Lance: “We loved Heather when we met her - she asked us enough questions but not too many and kind of just got us. We knew that she was going to be really great to work with. She made us feel comfortable and very supported at the same time!"

James: “When we went to our first design board walk through with Heather she just made us feel a breath of fresh air!”

James & Lance: “We wanted it to be approachable but also elegant and masculine - we didn’t want anything too showy”

As The Merrimon-Wynne House celebrates their love and is constantly striving to create a space for all people and their love, we want to celebrate Pride month and share with you what Pride means to both Lance and James!

James: “For me Pride really comes down to finding a space where people feel welcome and it’s also a glorified way to have a fun - it is the start of summer and Pride month and it is just a fun time to be gay”

Lance: “Pride month allows for a lot of partying and it’s just a fun time to get together and celebrate your friends and community! We do that a lot but it’s just fun to celebrate being gay.”

While Lance and James shared past stories and trips that they have taken and all of the laughs that have come from celebrating Pride month, this question also led to a much deeper conversation with the two that we will forever be grateful for. As a company that is dedicated to a lifetime of love and inclusivity, we are always striving to knock down walls where love feels bound. The end of our time with Lance and James was spent discussing how Pride, and the act of fostering a community and safe space that people feel welcome, was always supposed to be a natural part of life and should never be kept within the walls of a single month.

LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.

LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES.

Photographer: Sarah Hinckley Photography