Daniel and Julia met at St. James Lutheran Church in Baltimore when Daniel unknowingly took Julia’s usual seat—an unspoken Lutheran offense. Julia didnt hold a grudge and decided to get to know Daniel anyway. They found out that they had many shared interests and that Julia went to college with two of his sisters (Anna and Deborah), but somehow never crossed paths with either of them.


Their relationship grew over the months through shared adventures. Julia introduced Daniel to aerial yoga and Daniel got Julia into rock climbing. They bonded over coffee before church, a love for road trips, and many competitive rounds of Casino, a card game Daniel learned from his Grandpa Holle. Julia usually lost (and still often does) to Daniel when playing Casino, because Grandpa Holle taught that “we’re here to win, not make friends.”


When Julia accepted a teaching job in Omaha for the 2024-2025 school year, it was a bittersweet transition. They were excited for this new chapter and the opportunity to be closer to Julia’s family, but it also meant leaving behind Daniel’s family in Pennsylvania and their friends in Maryland.


Life has taken them all over the country together but no matter where they go next, they’re excited for the journey ahead—marriage!