Michael joined Borromeo Seminary in 2014 after graduating from Smithville High School.

During her time at Roocatholic at the University of Akron, Julia stayed at Borromeo Seminary on a winter break service trip. She unknowingly was there as Michael returned from winter break for his last semester in the seminary.

Michael graduated from Borromeo Seminary. He did not continue onto St. Mary Seminary and so he returned home to Smithville.

In the midst of the COVID pandemic, Julia graduated from the University of Akron. She returned to the Akron area in August.

In May, Julia was thinking about trying CatholicMatch for the second time, she wasn't sure it was the right time. She said, "God, if their subscriptions are on sale for some reason, I'll sign up." Lo and behold, they were having a sale, so Julia joined CatholicMatch in search of her spouse.

After receiving the advice of a good priest friend, Michael joined CatholicMatch uncertain of God's will for him. He struggled between priesthood and married life.

Sometime in June, Michael and Julia matched on CatholicMatch and started getting to know each other on the app.

In November, Julia and Michael met for the first time. Michael invited Julia to the 175th anniversary celebration at his church. As a certified hot mess express, Julia forgot she normally arrives to Mass early and left her apartment with just enough time to pull into the parking lot as Mass started. She ended up sitting in the overflow seating downstairs and didn't find Michael until after Mass. Clearly a memorable first meeting. (Photo exemplifies that Julia's silliness has continued).

Julia and Michael made it official that they were dating on this day. Julia had recently finished a Novena to St. Therese of Lisieux, asking her to prompt Michael to ask her to be his girlfriend. She came through because he asked her after Mass on this day. Though Julia may have forced St. Therese's hand by wearing a rose patterned skirt.

Michael and Julia went "Facebook official" after telling their friends and family they were dating! Their first major outing as a couple was at St. Bernard's "Mardi Gras Night at the Races" event.

Bring on the weddings! many of Michael and Julia's dates were weddings! As a couple they have been to 11 weddings so far, including Julia's sister, Michael's brother, and many friends!

Wait a minute, neither Michael or Julia are in this picture. What is going on? Those ordained here are Michael's classmates from his college seminary days. He received a very insightful, personal revelation during the ordination that he needed to stop worrying about his vocation. God was in control. It was also shortly after this moment when Michael knew Julia was the one.

Michael and Julia had a date at Ramseyer Farms in Wooster for their end of year gathering. Michael told Julia that he was no longer discerning priesthood but was completely discerning marriage.

While at Julia's friends' wedding, Michael asked Julia her ring size. She replied some version of "haven't got a clue" which caused them both to laugh out loud.

Christmas! Michael got to spend the holiday with Julia's family! Unknown to Julia, Michael used this day to ask for both her father's blessing and permission to marry Julia. He said Yes!

Michael's Grandma Judy, gifts him a ring that belonged to his great grandmother. This ring has now been passed down through four generations.

Michael chose Palm Sunday of 2024 to propose to Julia! While Julia was on a cruise in the Caribbean with her friend Kate, Michael made the final arrangements for this day! Julia, of course, was completely blown away and hadn't ever suspected a thing...

Julia and Michael's friend, Monica, wanted to gift them a short engagement shoot, thus their first round of engagement photos!

This was Julia and Michael's first time meeting their wedding photographer, Joan. They are in love with these photos and can't wait to see the art she creates capturing their wedding day!

Wedding date! Julia and Michael are excited to celebrate with all of you as they enter into this holy sacrament!