We’ve actually known of each other since high school. We both grew up in Coppell, went to the same huge high school with 4,000 students, were in the same grade, and somehow never crossed paths. We ran in different friend groups, and although we recognized each other’s names, we had never been in the same room or spoken. Everything changed second semester of senior year. College plans were set: Gabe was headed to Texas Tech and Julia was headed to Auburn. That’s when Julia switched into Gabe’s math class and ended up sitting right next to him. From the very first conversation, there was an immediate spark that felt so natural. Julia even texted her best friend, “Why have I never talked to Gabe Benedict? He’s so cute!!” We spent that whole summer before college together, especially at Grapevine Lake, skipping rocks and talking for hours. Starting long distance right after meeting felt scary, so we agreed to settle into college first and see what happened. But we ended up talking and FaceTiming every single day anyway. Then everything changed again. Spring of freshman year, we both got sent home to Coppell for five months. It ended up being the perfect gift of time to build the foundation of our relationship before doing true long distance. We consider ourselves a COVID relationship. Our anniversary is March 12th, and this March 2026 marks six years together. We went on to do long distance throughout sophomore, junior, and senior year, dreaming of the day we could finally live in the same place. After Julia finished grad school at TCU, we moved in together in Prosper and love the peace and space out here. July 2025, Gabe asked Julia to go back to Grapevine Lake to skip rocks, just like we always did. He skipped a rock, then Julia skipped a rock, and when she turned around, he was on one knee with a ring. At that moment, it started pouring rain. It felt like God was showering us with blessings, and since our favorite movie together is The Notebook, the rain made it even more special. We are so excited to step into this new chapter of life together. We feel grateful to celebrate our love with you all!