On a hot summer's day in June, Julie was sitting watching Star Wars Episode 5 and she thought, "I need to find my Han." Living in Ferrum, VA surrounded by college kids there was no chance of that happening naturally so she logged in to Tinder. After scrolling for a few minutes she happened upon a very cute, curly headed boy who loved to cook, play drums, and seemed to have a great sense of humor. Well, Julie and Corey matched and from there, the vibes were good. They talked that night until 2:00AM and Julie woke up to a text from Corey asking her to go on a date. Two days later (June 29th) they went to El Rio Mexican Restaurant. Julie was oblivious to Corey ordering no onions as she ate her onion filled fajitas. Corey did a Hannibal Lecter impression, and Julie did her Franc from Father of the Bride impression. Neither wanted the date to end so they sat in the El Rio parking lot until 1:00 AM telling stories about their lives, families, beliefs, values. Both left the date knowing they were about to embark on a journey. Corey knew that night he met the one he would marry.

Their next date was on July 4th. They went to hibachi wearing ridiculous outfits by request of Corey and drove to Lover's Leap to watch fireworks on the overlook. After a long drive of more stories, they hung out that evening and watched each others' favorite shows, How I Met Your Mother and Avatar: The Last Air Bender. The next day, they went on their third date to get Bowling's Hot Dogs and to the movies to see Cruella. After rapping Childish Gambino on the way home and more great conversation, Corey made it official by asking Julie to be his girlfriend and she quickly said yes. The next day, Facebook erupted with congrats and happiness from family and friends.

Within a month, Julie knew Corey was the one for her. They met each others' families and it immediately felt like home. In December of 2021, Julie made the decision to leave her job and they decided to move in together. Becoming in love roommates was an adjustment, that they handled with grace. They learned how to communicate with each other, what each others' habits were and just how to understand each other better. By Spring, it was a well oiled machine. They spent their 1 year anniversary at Julie's parents' campsite in Gloucester where they talked about their future, what they wanted in life, and how they wanted to be with each other through it all.

Julie and Corey came back more committed than ever. It became clear to everyone that they would be engaged, but the question was: When? Julie wanted to marry Corey, but was in love no matter what so was following Corey's timeline. An inside scoop told the future bride that Corey thought there was a limit to how long someone could be engaged and once that belief was quickly dismissed, Corey made steps to make things official. Julie didn't wear jewelry often so Corey tasked Julie with finding something she would see herself wearing. Julie is "simple boujee." She wanted something pretty, but not breaking the bank. She found a simple vintage-boho style ring she liked and sent it Corey's way. Little did she know a couple weeks later, the ring was shipped to their house.

Corey told his dad that he got the ring and was going to propose to Julie. Mike immediately asked "Have you talked to Tim?" Corey was so nervous asking Julie's dad. He got him outside on the porch and nervously said "My dad said I need to ask you something." Julie's dad immediately knew and gave his blessing, without a shred of a doubt. Corey planned to ask Julie Christmas morning. He ordered a plain wooden box and wood burn engranved their initials and date on the box. They both told each other they loved each other laying in bed and they always have the best morning talks so Corey thought that was the best way to do it, as he knew Julie would want it to be private. Julie woke up as he went and got the ring. She didn't even let him get the words out as he was sitting there on one knee before she was pulling him in for a kiss. They celebrated the day with family celebration and with their friends who they neow share an anniversary with.

Julie and Corey are so excited to have an intimate wedding with their friends and families. A true union and celebration of the support system they are forever grateful for.