Youre late.
Youre stunning.
Youre forgiven. –Pretty Woman


Every good story starts with a good quote. This line from Pretty Woman came to mind as John waited over an hour for Julissa at a Peruvian restaurant in Sterling Virginia. Probably not the best movie to quote but we assure you there is no other similarities other than Julissas tardiness (Julissa mentions that is a Peruvian thing). John sat there wondering if she would ever arrive and if she did how would she even recognize her as we all know people do not look like their pictures on their profiles.


Being far from his house, John decided to give her more time.. that and the first winter World Cup was on at the restaurant, and we all know John loves soccer. Right as the game ended Julissa walked in and her smile lit up the room, it melted every care and fear away and she was far more stunning than her online pictures. John quickly forgot about her being late and they ordered food and talked as much as they could over the band that began playing (it was very loud and they liked to point out John was the only Gringo). Not wanting the night to end and wanting to continue their conversation they went to a local Mexican restaurant for margaritas and continued to talk about their kids, families, and their horrible experience with dating. Before they knew it, the restaurant was closing and Julissa had to get home to her son and John had to pick up his daughter. John dropped Julissa back off at her car and she sped away quickly. John sat there confused as she sped away so fast he thought he scared her away (Julissa later revealed was because she was late getting back to her son, but everyone jokes that she is normally late though). In that moment, John knew there was something truly special about her and wanted to meet with her again soon.


The two continued to talk and John finally asked her to go to the Kennedy Center the following Sunday to see Wicked the Musical. Sadly, John had to cancel last second as he was admitted to the hospital and he thought he would never have another chance to see Julissa again. To his surprise Julissa texted him almost every day he was in the hospital and the following weekend they made good on the promise to see Wicked and from that day on the bond between the two grew more and more each day. The two spends every weekend together, unless they have activities with their kids, not afraid to try new adventures together and learn more and more about each other every day. They learned that the both love Disney & soccer (their love for Disney led to a surprise proposal in front of Cinderellas castle and a dinner with Julissas favorite princess, Cinderella). Julissa found a joy for baseball and Hockey as well as trying new international cuisines (John is trying to work on her love for wine tasting though).


Since the first day they met, they have become partners in all aspects of life. They have become best friends, confidantes, and each other rocks. Every day together is an adventure, filled with laughter, support, and a love that grows deeper with each passing moment. A bedrock to their relationship is their promise to make each other feel safe, understood, and endlessly loved, even when life throws curveballs.


Life is a puzzle and together they each found the missing piece they never knew they needed. They cannot wait to embark on their next chapter together, hand in hand, building a future together and hope you can make it to celebrate with them on their wedding day.