One night, Grant told one of his friends (Summer) that if she scored him a date, he would take her out to an expensive sushi dinner. Summer had just the girl in mind. She immediately texted Julia telling her to come out with them that night in Santa Monica. Summer: "Want to go bowling?! Grant wants you to come out!" Julia: "...Who is Grant??" Julia went out that night. They spent the end of the night dancing in the living room while everyone else went to sleep. On their first official date they went bowling (Grant won)! (As an interesting side note, Julia and Grant went to UCLA for undergrad together. Because of Julia's friendship with Summer, Julia coincidentally often found herself at Grant's house, but they never actually met!)

Grant started planning the proposal in December 2021. One night after a work event, he came home and planted the seed: "Oh yeah, my boss said he wants us to come out to dinner with him and his wife.” So, on January 8, 2021, Grant and Julia set off for Malibu, where they were supposedly getting dinner with Grant's "boss" at Malibu Farm. On the way to the spot where Grant was going to get down on one knee, Julia (of course) exclaimed that she had to use the restroom and she couldn't wait one second longer. Grant, panicked but trying to remain good-natured, helped Julia find a bathroom, which almost threw the plans for a loop. Finally, they got to Malibu Farm and started walking on the beach where, in the distance, Julia spotted what looked to be a giant bouquet of white roses, a white blanket, and champagne. When they arrived at this beautiful set-up, Grant got down on one knee and asked Julia to marry him. But, the surprise wasn't over. Waiting at the top of the pier were both Julia and Grant's families ready to celebrate - they had been able to watch the whole thing. It was a beautiful day and evening, and a beautiful start to Julia and Grant's engagement.