April 2020.. most all of us were quarantining. Watching movies and tv shows, taking walks, having zoom happy hours. Some of us were swiping on dating apps to pass the time. 2 of those people were Julia and Brendan. Both of them were not expecting to find their person amidst the pandemic. But lo and behold, they met their match on Bumble.

Given the status of the global pandemic, they started out with a FaceTime date to get to know each more after chatting for a few weeks on Bumble. When you FaceTime with someone you have never met and there are no awkward moments, that is definitely a good sign! After a second successful FaceTime date, they decided to meet up in person for a socially-distant walk in Forest Park. A couple more walks in Forest Park and a few real dates later, they were official. The story started out slow, and so much love grew in that time.

A few months into dating, they ventured on their first trip together. They went to Saugatuck, Michigan. A great sleepy and cute town to share an adventure but still respect COVID guidelines.

As the world began to open back up, so did their relationship. There have been so many travels near and far since Saugatuck: Hilton Head Island, The Smoky Mountains, Gulf Shores, Chicago, Kansas City, Colombia (South America), Florida, Denver, Steamboat, New York City, Santa Fe, Austin, and most recently Italy.

And in Italy was the beginning of forever. On April 26, 2024 about 4 years after they first met in person, Brendan proposed on the beaches of Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy! To say it was a dream is an understatement. They spent the day basking in the joy of being engaged, shared great wine, and said cheers to the future together.

Julia and Brendan share a cozy home in St. Louis, 2 adorable pups Stanley and Sadie, a great love, and soon will share a last name.

Cheers to J + B!