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The story of how Kyle and Julia's relationship began often starts with questions like, "How did it start?" "Who made the first move?" or "Who chased whom?" The spark of attraction ignited around 2017 at Pacific Lutheran University, where both Julia and Kyle were completing their bachelor’s degrees. Somehow, fate brought Julia, a communications major, and Kyle, a business major, to the same kinesiology-based Team Building class. During a game of tag, Julia chased Kyle around the gym, much like a schoolgirl chasing her crush on the playground. Kyle, who was the assistant coach for the Men’s Golf Team at the time, knew Julia was a student-athlete on the PLU Women’s Basketball team. He decided to shoot his shot by asking her to shoot hoops at Memorial Gymnasium. If you know either of them, you know how competitive they can be, and soon, shooting hoops turned into a game of one-on-one. The wager? The loser buys ice cream. Needless to say, Kyle ended up buying Julia ice cream at the end of their first date, and the rest is history. Now, more than seven years later, Kyle and Julia are both Physical Education teachers in Tacoma, Washington, where they watch their students chase each other around the gym. Though seven years may seem like a long time, it has flown by in the blink of an eye. Together, they’ve experienced much of what life has to offer—adventure, accomplishment, and companionship—as well as fragility and unpredictability. Graduate school, job changes, and van rebuilds (Shoutout Earl!). Taking planes, trains, and automobiles. New friends, old friends, and watching others fall in love. Gaining new family and losing loved ones. 5Ks, relay races, and marathons. Summer hikes, camping trips, and outdoor concerts. Birthdays, holidays, and even the Tuesdays. Weekends in Whitefish and Ocean Shores for riding bikes, skiing slopes, playing golf, and digging clams. Through it all, many laughs, several tears, and even a few toots... In such a short amount of time, Julia and Kyle have created a lifetime’s worth of memories together. At the core of their relationship is a strong friendship, built on mutual respect and admiration. It's no surprise that this team of two started in a team-building class.

Tag, You're It (Forever)

Hitchin' our Wagons!

During the summer of 2023, Kyle and Julia visited Whitefish, Montana, with two close friends. As part of their trip, they planned to explore Glacier National Park for a day. Kyle was especially eager to enter the park early enough to catch the sunrise over Lake McDonald—a pristine, glacier-carved lake on the park’s west side. Although Kyle and Julia had visited the park several times before, they had never stopped in Apgar Village, which offers a stunning view of Lake McDonald and the towering peaks of the Lewis Range on the horizon. Kyle had seen photos of the view and knew it would be special to witness in person. On August 16, 2023, the group woke up before 5:00 a.m., full of excitement for the day ahead, and made their way into the park. Upon arrival, they settled on the edge of a dock near the lakeshore, waiting for the warm sun to illuminate the landscape. They chatted, laughed, and took in the serene beauty. The sun, still hidden behind the eastern mountain range and filtered through distant wildfire smoke, turned the sky into a stunning canvas of yellows, oranges, and pinks. Eager to begin their day of hiking, the group gathered their belongings and took a few photos on the dock. At that moment, Kyle asked Julia to do a handstand—something she loves to do. After snapping a few pictures, he asked her to turn and face the view so he could take more. As Julia gazed out at the lake, Kyle quietly approached, tapped her on the shoulder, and when she turned around, he presented a ring, dropped to one knee, and, choking up, managed only to say, “I love you. Will you marry me?” and she said, "Yes!". The rest of the day was pure bliss as the group explored hikes and viewpoints throughout Glacier National Park. That evening, they wrapped up the celebration with champagne and dancing at the Blue Moon Nite Club. After five and a half years together, Kyle and Julia were ready to take the next step. They were grateful to share the moment with their friends, Preston and Laura Gillihan, who were able to capture the proposal and celebrate with them afterward.

Julia & Kyle

Julia & Kyle

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