Mike and I (Julia) were introduced through mutual friends after we both moved to Columbus in July of 2020 for our new jobs (Mike as a School Psychologist Intern and myself as a Third Grade Teacher). Mike followed me on Instagram and messaged me soon after.

We went on our first date on August 29th and hit it off right away! We talked all night to the point where we did not even eat any of the food we had ordered because we were having such a great time and also we were both a tad nervous. From Top Golf adventures, to weekly ice cream dates and football watch parties our friendship blossomed throughout the Fall. Although I was being a bit stubborn in letting my walls down Mike never gave up on trying to win my trust.

On December 15th Mike asked me to be his girlfriend and I gave the okay to move our friendship status to a relationship status. Since then we have become each other's best friend, confidant, teammate and many other cliche names! We have continued to be there for one another through all of life's ups and downs. Ever since that first date we have built our relationship on faith, love, communication, and family.

In March of 2023 while home for Easter, Mike invited my parents to breakfast to ask for my hand in marriage. Later in the Spring, on May 4th, Mike (secretly) set up a group outing for dinner and drinks with some of my friends from work. When I least expected it, he dropped to his knee and asked to marry me. It was everything we had prayed for! We are so excited to celebrate our love at our wedding and to build a life together.