We're tying the knot!

The spring of 2020 was a challenging one, to say the least. When the world started to re-open after months of quarantine, so did the dating apps. Against all odds (including a very reluctant future-groom), Derek and Julia somehow matched on Hinge in the middle of June 2020. After a few days of messaging back and forth, with Derek quizzing Julia on appropriate beach snacks, he asked her to meet up for drinks. A little nervous, and doubtful that it would amount to anything, Julia delayed their date for a full week while she spent some time in the NH mountains with her college friends. When Derek asked her again if she'd like to meet for dinner, she was more than excited to accept. They met for dinner in Waltham, MA, and after a few wonderful dates, Derek asked Julia to make their relationship official while on a date to the Boston Aquarium. They've been together ever since! In the summer of 2023, they moved into their first apartment together in Derek's hometown of Malden, MA, where they both have started new jobs and have loved making the space feel like home. After celebrating four years together over the summer, on a surprisingly sunny October morning, Derek proposed to Julia at one of their favorite private coves in Gloucester, MA. She was totally caught off guard, and was even more surprised when Derek had coordinated family to surprise her after. It was the perfect day, and they are so thrilled to celebrate their wedding day on the same date!