Monterey County Sheriff's Posse

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Fall

Our Wedding

Julia & Michael's Love Story

Our story began in mid-September of 2017. We found ourselves lost in the world and looking for love in a place that seemed to be already picked through. Each of us decided to look for love in a new and unfamiliar place, a place with endless faces, and endless swipes both right and left; until one right swipe changed our lives forever. A match had finally happened, two people looking for love, had finally found each other. Next began many light conversations, messaging back and forth, and plans to meet in person. Not long after our first date spent together, we realized how much we each enjoyed our time together. As Fall continued and changed to Winter, Michael came to see that he liked this girl, his right swipe, his match. This girl always occupied his thoughts, and this girl was Julia.&nbsp;Michael sought out to ask Julia the golden question, would Julia be his girlfriend? After a failed attempt, Michael was adamant that he was going to ask Julia. One country concert, and a week later, Julia and Michael were happily titled boyfriend and girlfriend. As both a smart and cautious woman, Julia had foreseen a test of strength in their relationship's future to come. News arose that Michael was leaving to explore Germany, and both of them knew this would be the test that made or broke the relationship. Michael knew he wouldn’t forget about Julia, but he was concerned it would be too much too soon. Little did they know Facetime, and texting was all they needed to remind themselves of how much they meant to each other.&nbsp;&nbsp;After a lot of anticipation, we were finally in each other’s arms again, and ready to start exploring life together. Next thing we knew we were going on, camping trips, snowy adventures, plane rides, theme parks, and spending time with friends. Our worlds were changing and combining into one world together. Months continued, 6 months turned into a year, and one year turned into two. After two years together we were in love and knew that we wanted our lives to continue together. One spontaneous afternoon we found ourselves venturing into a jewelry store, not knowing we would be making the most important purchase of our relationship.&nbsp;As time continued Michael knew he would now need to find the perfect moment to ask the question that follows a jewelry store ring purchase. However, time continued, and with many happy times came hard times and heavy losses. Julia and Michael had now gone through a roller coaster of emotions together and found themselves stronger and more in love with each other. After many nudges from family and friends, Michael realized that the moment to ask the big question was coming. Slowly but surely, Michael grew the courage to ask Julia's parents, as well as his own, for her hand in marriage. Michael had tried planning for this “perfect” moment. Halloween was coming to mind because this holiday was the first time Julia met Michael’s parents. Thoughts of rings and pumpkins arose, but the holiday came and left, and still, the question of marriage was lingering. Our 6th anniversary came around and Michael assumed this would be the opportunity he was looking for. We celebrated 6 years at a romantic drive-in movie, cozied in the bed of Michael’s truck; However, this day came and left just as Halloween did.&nbsp;Fast forward to the end of 2023, Michael had made up his mind, that New Year's Day would be the moment. What a perfect way to start a new year, plans for marriage. A couple of short days in December led Michael to plan not only a New Year’s party but a moment both had been anticipating for years. Family and friends gathered, and once the clock struck midnight, Michael dropped down on one knee and asked Julia for her hand in marriage. Julia said yes, and next began the new journey of engagement, and soon-to-be marriage. Two swipes right, a match made online later, our story has become intertwined for a lifetime to come.

Julia & Michael

Julia & Michael

Travel

Courtyard Salinas Monterey

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salinas, an IHG Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites Watsonville