It all started with pad thai.

In early August of 2019, Chris and Julia bonded over Thailand’s national dish (among other things) during their first date at Burlington’s own Bangkok Bistro. This would start off a relationship that has led to trying new foods around the world and sharing beloved family recipes throughout their home state of Vermont.

Not long after their first date, the pair would take the first of many trips together that November — traveling to Rome and Florence. There they enjoyed Mexican, Middle Eastern and Indian food and of course, plenty of traditional Italian fare.

Any and all travel plans for 2020 were put on pause, but that didn’t stop Chris and Julia from experiencing fun, family and food. Throughout the year, they spent many nights in the Snipe Ireland bubble, playing games such as Five Crowns, Mexican Trains and Wii Golf. There they indulged in their fair share of Cindy’s famous chocolate chip cookies and mac & cheese. They also spent many nights cooking together in their home, eventually including the vegetables from their own garden into their dishes.

Once they were able to, Chris and Julia began traveling both domestically and internationally once again — both as a couple and with family. In 2021, they traveled to Myrtle Beach with Karen and Mark; and then made their way to Antigua as a couple, sipping many a rum punch on the beach. They also made numerous smaller trips, frequently traveling across the border to their favorite Syrian eatery Damas in Outremont, Quebec for grilled kibbeh and fattoush salad; as well to Burlington’s EB Strong’s for steak, French bread and champagne with Joe and Missy.

2022 would see Chris and Julia traveling to France, Belgium and the Netherlands to visit Chris’s stepsister Jordan; experiencing the cultures of these countries through French fries, gouda cheese and hot chocolate. They’d also enjoy some equally decadent snacks stateside; savoring treats from Vermont Cookie Love with the Porters and brunch with the Barretts in Shelburne. And let’s not forget, potluck dinners and drinks pondside for Snipe Ireland’s annual Labor Day campout.

Chris and Julia embarked on the first Preston-McNalls vacation to Costa Rica in 2023, enjoying an abundance of plantains, guac, rice & beans over games of Farkle (even through a 5.4 magnitude earthquake). They also played their luck at the casino in Springfield, Mass with the Barretts — partaking in burgers, wings and even delivery from Cracker Barrel between hands. Speaking of winning big, they’d be remiss to not include the many afternoons and nights spent cheering on the Cats at the Patrick Gym alongside family and splitting popcorn.

By 2024, Chris and Julia set their sights on London, the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh, topping off days of sightseeing with Peruvian food and pints of Guinness. They would also make a trip to NYC with the Prestons during Memorial weekend to feast on both favorites and firsts; including espresso martinis, empanadas and trapizzinos (Italian pizza pockets). Then in August of 2024, a little over five years after their first date of pad thai, Chris and Julia got engaged in front of the Snipe Ireland waterfall and celebrated up the hill with Indian takeout.

In 2025, Chris and Julia are looking forward to Costa Rica in February with the Prestons and the McNalls for time in the sun and lots of rice and beans. Come June, they are looking forward to Ireland and Scotland with the Porters where hikes will be celebrated with pints of beer in charming pubs!

Now, Chris and Julia are inviting their family and friends to eat, play, love at their wedding, this Labor Day weekend.

J&C

Wedding Reception