In May 2021, Julia and Gabriel both moved to central Maine for new jobs with the Colby College Museum of Art. In the following summer months they became friends, swimming in lakes all around the state and many many antique stores. One day, Gabriel met a woman who was moving out of state and couldn't bring her cat with her. Gabriel remembered that Julia liked cats and called her up asking if she wanted a cat that evening. The rest is history as Miss Daisy came into Julia's life. The friendship grew stronger and transformed into love (between Julia, Daisy and Gabriel). One day after work the two were hanging out and Julia gifted Gabriel a poem that she had written, cryptically sharing some of her feelings. A few days later, on July 17th, the two ate some pizza following an afternoon of thrifting. They went back to Julia's place and discussed the poem, confessing their feelings for each other. The following year was filled with adventures to multiple islands in Maine, neighboring states and cross country road trips. The first island trip was a weekend getaway to Deer Isle, staying in a camper on the coast of Stonington. Julia had picked up a book on Maine Ghost stories at a nautical book store. By the fire one night as Julia was reading the ghost stories outloud, Gabriel told Julia they loved her and she echoed her love. The two started planning for a life together and eventually decided to move to Chicago, with their cat daughter Daisy. They have been building a home their for the last three years and plan to stay for many more. In May 2024, Gabriel's parents Randi and Hugh visited Chicago, bringing Audrey Chalfin's (Gabriel's late grandmother) engagement ring. Julia tried it on and it was a perfect fit. On February 14th, 2025 Julia and Gabriel were married by a Chicago judge at city hall. Gabriel wore their grandfather Harold Chalfin's wedding ring and the two honored Gabriel's grandparents' 50+ years of joyous marriage. They look forward to sharing their love with their family and friends in the future with a very Jewish-Mexican ceremony and celebration. The gift Julia and Gabriel would like this most is support in saving to purchase their first home. If you would like to send us any mail please email chalfinpineygonzalez@gmail.com Thank you for celebrating their love!