Julia was visiting Cincinnati for a New Year's Eve party for the upcoming year 2020 when a cute boy named Brett came up to her and asked if she wanted to play the card game "higher or lower." Brett and Julia got to talking most of the night and ended up being each others' New Year's kiss! Brett asked Julia for her number that night, but Julia didn't expect anything since she lived in Muncie, Indiana attending Ball State University, which was about a two and half hour drive from the University of Cincinnati. Brett ended up texting Julia the next day and planned a date to come to Muncie, Indiana.

Brett visited Ball State University for the first time three days after meeting Julia. Muncie must have really impressed Brett as he continued to talk to Julia and they made several weekend trips to see each other until Brett made it official. Shortly after Brett and Julia became a couple in February 2020, COVID-19 hit the world hard. Now, not only were Brett and Julia a long distance relationship, but they had to navigate seeing each other during a time when no one was supposed to go anywhere!

After several FaceTime calls, lazy weekend visits, and half-way day trips, Julia and Brett pushed though long distance and COVID craziness and both graduated from college in 2021. Julia decided to attend the University of Cincinnati to obtain her Master of Social Work degree which would mean living only 20 minutes away from Brett. After two years and getting her degree in 2023, Julia and Brett moved in together.

Brett told Julia he was taking her to Ruth's Chris for her birthday, even though it was a month after. On September 7th, 2024 Julia was very suspicious of this dinner and the "housewarming party" at his sister's to follow. Julia prepared by getting her nails done and wearing a nice dress, just in case! Brett popped the question at Smale Park before having the planned dinner to recap all his proposal plans. The "housewarming party" ended up being an engagement party with all of Brett and Julia's loved ones. We can't wait to celebrate with everyone on May 16th, 2026!