Nathan and Julia grew up only 50 miles apart from each other. Nathan grew up in Puxico, MO helping his family on their small cattle farm, riding dirt bikes, and playing basketball. Julia grew up in Cape Girardeau riding bikes with her brother, spending time with her family, and playing soccer or basketball. The two grew up in very different ways but still found their way to each other.

Their paths had crossed several times in their lives with Nathan's aunt and uncle, Tony and Leslie Martin being best friends with Julia's mom and dad. The two always knew of each other but didn't truly start getting to know each other until 2019, when Nathan moved to Cape Girardeau to live and work.

Every Sunday, Julia's family has dinner where they meet with Tony and Leslie and their family to enjoy a home cooked meal together before a new week starts. Nathan was temporarily living with Tony and Leslie at the time so he began coming to our dinners where Julia started developing a little crush.

After dinner the families would gather in the living room to watch football. At the beginning the two would sit on opposite ends of the couch. As each week went by the space between them on the couch became smaller and smaller. When one night, Nathan asked Julia to go see a movie with him. (Of course, a basketball movie!) After the movie, Nathan went in for a side hug and the rest was history!

Since then the two have been on many dates, attended many concerts, weddings, and sporting events. Julia graduated from college and teaches special education at Blanchard Elementary. Nathan is the Director of Development at Notre Dame, the high school Julia graduated from. They have two crazy dogs, Lainey and Truman and are living happily ever after!

Drury Plaza Hotel Cape Girardeau Conference Center