While both attended FSU, their paths didn't cross until Julia's first day at work on 9/4/18. It turned out they both had small crushes on each other, but chose to ignore it in order to prioritize professionalism in the office and focus on their careers. They ended up developing a close friendship pretty quickly, hanging out almost every weekend within a group of friends. As it turned out, nearly a year later, those small crushes never went away (fortunately for them!). Despite their continued efforts to ignore it, they found themselves continuing to gravitate towards each other. The photos above are their first "solo" pictures together on 8/2/19 at a concert with friends, where it became apparent to their friends that they were more than "just friends" at that point. They continued to spend more time together and develop their relationship. About a month later while relaxing together on the couch, Julia noticed Rob was being unusually quiet. After asking if he was okay a couple of times, Rob finally blurted out the first big question of their relationship, and Julia responded with her first easy "yes!" to making it official.

Since Rob and Julia worked together, they decided to keep their new relationship to themselves at first (except for their families and closest friends). They soon realized they quite enjoyed the "secret bubble" that was their lives together—it was almost like living in a cheesy RomCom, the classic secret office romance version!

They enjoyed their date nights at uncommon places in South Florida, and also traveled all over to meet each other's closest friends and family. Unfortunately for those friends and family, Rob and Julia always adhered to a strict "no social media" policy—they had to ensure no posts or tags made it to social media, which is easier said than done in this day and age!

Before they knew it, a whole year had flown by, and they decided it was time to leave their secret bubble. Thankfully, their company was nothing but supportive and happy for them, along with everyone else in their lives.

In February of 2020, Rob asked the second big question of their relationship: "do you want to move in with me, since ya know, you have basically already taken over my entire place?" Rob emptied out half of his closet, and they moved in together in March of 2020. Shortly thereafter, the world shut down. While Covid was an awful and dark time for the world, their silver lining was discovering that they could never get sick of each other, and realizing they had something really, really special.

They both share a passion for traveling and have tried to make it a significant priority in their lives. Their "travel personalities" are perfectly aligned, as they enjoy a mix of adventure and exploration, while also placing equal importance on relaxation. Internationally, they have traveled to Brazil, Greece, Spain, and Mexico, with a large bucket list still to go! They also love weekend trips to the Keys, camping in the mountains, Chicago, DC, Nashville, Dallas, and many more.

They also love the life they have built in South Florida. They enjoy spending mornings at the beach (even though Julia is still trying to get over her major dislike of sand), walking Ranger in the park, golfing, spending time with their amazing friends, and mixing up their go-go-go lifestyle with lazy Sundays.

Family is the #1 priority in their lives. They are beyond blessed and grateful to have such supportive and loving families, who have integrated together so beautifully. They love to bring both sides together as much as possible, and are excited to continue building amazing memories for a lifetime as one big official family.

**Warning - novel written below, but only because Rob's thoughtfulness deserves it**

With the support of their families, Rob decided in 2023 that he was ready to pop THE question. He secretly planned an elaborate engagement weekend right under Julia's nose. In early December 2023, Rob flew Julia to Asheville, NC, under the guise of an "early siblings Christmas." They settled into Rob's family cabin in Chimney Rock, NC, on Thursday night. The next morning, they had brunch at The Omni Grove Park Inn, where Julia was sipping on her mimosa, not having the slightest idea of what was to come in a few short hours.

A few minutes after they got back to the cabin, Rob texted Julia to come out back. As she opened the back porch screen door, she saw a sea of red rose petals flowing from the back porch all the way down to the river. There, Rob and Ranger stood together next to a beautiful red loveseat covered in roses with candles. Already overwhelmed with emotions, she started to make her way down to her favorite boys.

At the start of the path, there was a sign instructing her to scan a QR code on her phone. The code led her to a song on Spotify called "Make it Happen", a song written about their love story by a talented freelance singer. It included mentions of Ranger, trips to Brazil and Rob's love for "Pepper" (aka Julia's nickname) and wanting to officially "Make it Happen".

She then followed the red rose petals down and saw Ranger wearing a bandana that said, "Will you marry my dad?" But before they got to that, Rob stated that he had a few things he wanted to say. He began by taking out a little bottle with a note in it, which Julia recognized instantly. Rob had given it to her in her stocking for Christmas 2019, but before he let Julia open it, he grabbed it back and told her he would give when the time was right. It was kept in Rob's safe since then, until December 2023, when the time was finally right. She opened the note to read, "Even though we have only been dating a few months, I know you are the one. Will you marry me?" Dated 12/25/2019.

Rob explained why he chose to propose at his family cabin - he wanted to one day tell their future kids that "mommy and daddy's love story started right here at the family cabin's river beach." A place that already holds so many cherished memories will now forever be one of the most special places in their future family's history. After sharing some final thoughts, Rob got down on one knee and asked THE big question. Julia, absolutely speechless from seeing Rob on one knee with her dream ring in his hands, took a moment to get words out, but it was the easiest "yes" she's answered to date.

After a few moments soaking it all in and taking some shots with the photographer, Rob told Julia the plans for the weekend—a party bus was coming to pick them up and take them to a winery where he had reserved the entire place for themselves for the night. He then asked, "But is it ok if they join us?" and pointed behind him. When Julia turned around, it felt like the wind was knocked out of her. There, standing on the bridge above the river, were all their closest friends and family, cheering and spraying champagne. To say it was the most magical, special moment of Julia's life would be an understatement.

They spent the whole weekend celebrating in Chimney Rock with their "village". It was the happiest days of their lives.

However, they're sure 12/8/23 will get bumped to second place come 4/26/25, when they get to celebrate with all of their favorite people!