It all started with an app. In the fall of 2020, TJ and Julia were both looking for a sense of "normal" following the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sticking to small friend circles in person in New York City, both turned to Hinge for additional human connection.

On the first day, TJ matched with Julia, drawn to her eye-catching dance photos and Basking Ridge, NJ hometown designation. After an initial message of "Hi! My grandparents (Ed and Mary Hartnett) are from Basking Ridge, how funny!" from TJ, Julia one-upped with a response of "Hi! Here's one better...I know your friend in picture number 2!" The friend was TJ's NYC roommate and high school friend Drew Tomlinson and the story of Julia and TJ had begun.

Two weeks later, TJ and Julia had their first date at Doc Watson's on the Upper East Side of NYC. Two days after that, they spent a full day hanging at a brewery in Brooklyn with friends. The dates became more frequent, more friends and family were introduced, and they became an "official" couple on February 7th, 2021.

TJ was confident Julia was "the one" from the beginning, but decided to take the next step on March 30th, 2024. Surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Hudson River and Appalachian Mountains outside of downtown Cold Spring, NY, TJ dropped to one knee and asked Julia to spend the rest of their lives together. Following a resounding "Yes!", the couple soaked in the moment with a photoshoot and a surprise dinner with both sides of the family at Blu Pointe in Newburgh, NY. It's a day they'll remember forever.

In the years since, TJ and Julia have embraced their life together in NYC, enjoying midtown meetups, trying new foods and drinks, and exploring every inch of Central Park. They've become part of each other's families, with frequent Jersey Shore trips, milestone celebrations, and spontaneous meetups with siblings and parents. Traveling has been a staple in their relationship, with couple weekends throughout the Hudson Valley, football game tailgates in New England, and wedding destinations all across the US.

TJ and Julia are so grateful to be surrounded by such supportive family and friends as July 19th, 2025 approaches. For those coming from near and far, thank you for being apart of "Our Story".