[GL] While our families have literally known each other for generations, I remember a distinct time ~15 years ago (ironically at a Mabrie Memorial Mortuary service) when my cousin, Teal Holden, pointed out a handsome gentleman (Justin) & how we would make a great couple, but over the years we would see each other in passing at events/weddings for mutual friends and we remained cordial. [JM] Throughout our many encounters over the years, I shot my shot many times. I now know that subtle does not work with a corporate boss like Gia. For clarity, these scenarios did not work: We’re at wedding, I see her in a long black fitted dress, and I say ‘Hey, don’t we know each other.’ As we had met many years ago, she was not impressed by the smooth Love Jones lines because yes - we do know each other; now what do you want (is what she was thinking). We had light conversation that night, but neither of us laid it on thick, so the interest was not solidified. I see her again, short black fitted dress this time and hair is wet - I give her a hug, embrace - hand slightly lower than friend vibes, but no eye contact. Well dang, I know she felt my hand and had to feel the embrace - aight, it’s cool, moving on. We know Gia loves to cook! I see a macaroni and cheese post that she made, and I say ‘that looks good, you’ll have to tell me next time you make some.’ Her response, okay I’ll send you the recipe. She has to know the recipe is not what I wanted; so okay - she’s not interested - I get it, I’ll let it go. Now this is the time I thought would be the last. We had a great, spontaneous night with friends. Conversation flowed and she hugged me back this time. I’m thinking okay, bet - let me dive right in. I sent a few paragraphs about the night, and the excitement I have for getting to know each other, etc. She caught a flight the next morning, and messages back ‘okay, thanks. I’ll let you know when I land.’ I said, that’s a wrap, she clearly is not feeling me. [GL] In 2021, Justin handled my Grandma’s service beautifully & I moved to Argentina for work. While visiting home for the holidays in 2022, I was anxiously awaiting Justin’s invitation to hang out (because we agreed to do so next time I was home). After being in town for 6 days, I hadn’t heard from him so, I was beginning to think it wouldn’t happen. As the universe would have it that day, a colleague & friend (Kristan Crapps) randomly mentioned that she had someone in mind that she thought would be a great match for me but was hesitant to tell me who because she felt like we knew each other & his name was Justin Mabrie (I LOL’d and thought “God, I hear you”). [JM] After the talk (thanks, Kristan! ‘Finally), Gia then texts me explaining the context of their convo. I respond with, OK cool: let’s get together tomorrow at Hillstone, 5:15 pm. She agreed. [GL] I showed up to Hillstone restaurant hopeful and completely open to getting to know Justin as more than just a friend on Friday, December 16th, 2022. [JM] For our first date - 4.5 hours later, we had covered several hard questions, light topics, family stories and neighborhood catchup. We felt the potential for sure. Few days later, I invite her to join me on an already planned new year’s trip to Napa. Again, she agrees. Great time together, got along with my friends, and discovered we both like nice things and experiences. We really knew we were on to something then. Time goes by, we are texting every morning and talking every night while living on 2 different continents. [GL] On February 3, 2023 we began our relationship “officially” & on July 3, 2024 in Napa, California I said “of course- YES!”. I’ve never been more sure about anything; I knew we were made for each other and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Justin. [GL & JM] … & here we are sharing our story as we prepare to become husband and wife on November 1, 2025. As we look back, we both agree that God’s timing was the right time.