Michael and Julianna’s journey began in June 2022 as they embarked upon their summer internship at Medtronic. Michael’s interest was immediately piqued on Day 1 when a charming girl with a Southern accent introduced herself to the intern cohort. As she spoke about attending Auburn University and her love for SEC football, Michael felt a crush brewing. To his delight, this Alabama girl was assigned a cube in the same building and on the same floor as his! (His cube was supposed to be in a different building, but he was “randomly” placed in B9F2 due to on-site construction.)

As the summer progressed, Michael got to know Julianna through numerous group hangouts and developed strong feelings for her. She was a beautiful, down-to-earth, God-fearing woman – the whole package! Still though, he wondered whether pursuing a relationship would be wise, given that she would soon be moving back to the opposite side of the country for her senior year at Auburn. Reflecting on the countless wonderful memories they had made that summer – Sedona, the Grand Canyon, swim nights, Scootin’ Boots, hiking, running, and more – Michael realized he needed to talk to her.

It turned out that Michael’s feelings were reciprocated, and for the last two weeks that Julianna was in Arizona, they spent all their free time together. Despite those fantastic two weeks, their situation remained uncertain when Julianna departed for her drive back across the country. The following two months were long and hard, filled with lonely days and more uncertainty. But all of this changed when Julianna pulled off the surprise of a lifetime – flying into Arizona to surprise Michael on his birthday! They both realized that the time and distance apart revealed their love for each other, and Julianna finally agreed to be Michael’s girlfriend!

The next 21 months were an emotional rollercoaster – marked by ups and downs, lonely nights on FaceTime, and tough conversations – but also filled with fun trips to see each other and countless blessings. They prayed persistently for a job opening that would bring them together. After nearly two years of long-distance, the good Lord opened a door for Julianna to start a new position in Arizona! As Michael rejoiced at this wonderful news, he immediately began planning how and when he would propose. He wasted no time – on July 6th, the day that Julianna officially moved to Arizona – Michael surprised Julianna by getting down on one knee and asking her to marry him. She said yes! With hearts full of joy, the newly engaged eagerly anticipate the future that God is leading them to in marriage.