The Beginning: Where It All Started

Justina and Paul first met in college at Mount Saint Mary College in 2009. Justina, a history and education student and Paul, an accounting and business administration student, met in the most unassuming of places - the college cafeteria. They started as Facebook friends, became real-life friends, and ended up inseparable. Who knew a college cafeteria would serve up the relationship of a lifetime?

The College Years: Building Our Foundation

In 2013, Justina and Paul graduated together from Mount Saint Mary College. Paul earned his first Master’s degree, while Justina her Bachelor’s degree. They knew after college they would live in different places so they started a long-distance relationship. Even though it was hard being apart, they learned a lot about how to make it work during their college years.

New Horizons: Rooting for Each Other

As Justina returned home and entered grad school and her first teaching position, Paul was figuring out whether a career in academia or in accounting practice was right for him. Even when miles apart, they became each other’s biggest cheerleaders, celebrating every accomplishment, whether it was academic or professional. Through video calls, surprise visits, and countless text messages, they realized Paul’s favorite quote: “Love is friendship that catches fire”.

The “Surprise” Proposal: A Day to Remember

Paul had been planning to propose to Justina for years, but he wanted to make sure they were both in a good place in their careers. On July 15, 2023 when he proposed, he had expected it to be a surprise but noticed something different about Justina that day: she did her nails! (She knew….).

He decided to propose outside her home. There’s a quote Paul loves that goes: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” That quote perfectly describes how he feels about building a life with Justina.

When Paul asked Justina to marry him, she said “Yes”. We immediately called our loved ones to share the fantastic news, and were met with joyous celebrations from both families. With hearts full of gratitude and love, we stepped into the next chapter of our lives, holding tightly to each other and to the promise that love, indeed, conquers all.

The Next Chapter: The Wedding

As you read this, we are bubbling over with anticipation for our upcoming wedding day—a day we know will be filled with love, laughter, and countless unforgettable moments. Our hearts are full as we prepare to celebrate this new chapter with all of you, our dear friends and family who have been instrumental in our journey.

We cannot wait to see you there, sharing in the joy of a lifetime.

With all our love, Justina & Paul!