We’re getting married!

AJ and Julia met at San Quentin State Prison in Marin County. We know what you’re thinking, no AJ is nor was ever an inmate. They met while Julia was new to the department and working in AJ’s unit. It only took one 8 hour shift for them to instantly connect and become friends. Before they knew it, Julia was the new girl hanging out and going on beer tours with her new buddies. After connecting over work, beer, and BBQ the nonstop laughs & good vibes were established. After 6 months of being friends, a random date to what is now their favorite brewery, Heretic, they decided to take their flirty friendship to the next level. On June 27, 2018 they became boyfriend and girlfriend.

Geez, what a day this was! For starters, it’s Christmas Eve and Julia’s parents are coming to town for another Christmas with the Ponce Family. Just like their normal routine, they wake up and go to work. Because of the holiday season, many officers were getting held over to the next shift due to many call offs. Julia had little time in the department and she knew she’d likely stay over. At 1230 hours, Julia’s friend gives her a call at her desk and says “hey, if one more person calls in sick between now and 1400 hours, you’ll be held over.” For the next one and a half hours, Julia was so nervous thinking she wouldn’t be with family for Christmas Eve. She called AJ and let him know she may be missing Christmas Eve and that he’d have to babysit her parents for the evening. To their surprise, Julia was able to go home and get ready for the evening. Showing up for Christmas Eve with the Ponce Family, AJ had the ideal proposal in mind when in fact, none of it happened. Nothing was how he planned, now he knew he had to wing it. Looking in his sisters nicely decorated patio, AJ thought this would be perfect with the Christmas lights and bright angels. After several attempts to get Julia outside and after many attitude filled “I’m not going outside, it’s cold!” AJ asked his sister to get her outside which was succesful and resulted in amazing family photos. After many photos with the Armendariz family, Julia’s parents were asked to step out so Julia and AJ can take photos. After a few flashes, Julia assumed the next family would step in for photos so she shivered and started to walk away. At this moment, Julia was freezing and ready to go inside but AJ had different plans. He tugged at her arm and she turned around to see him getting down on one knee and Julia instantly cried, they both were so overjoyed with love and supported by family. With a beautfuil speech, Julia seemingly said yes through her cries and wimpers. They were now going to be, Mr and Mrs Ponce.