We're Getting Married!

Julianne and Thiemo’s story began on December 22nd of 2018, when they went on their first date at the Riverside Arts Market. At the time, Julianne was in Jacksonville, waiting to start her studies in wildlife ecology at the University of Florida, while Thiemo was studying chemistry at the University of North Florida. From the moment they met, their shared passions for science and adventure sparked a deep connection. Though their relationship soon became long-distance, with Julianne moving to Gainesville for school, their love for each other kept them committed. Despite the challenges of being apart, they cherished their time together and made frequent drives to visit one another, proving that their bond was strong and true. After graduating in 2021, Julianne and Thiemo moved in together in Jacksonville in early 2022. They now share their home with their beloved dog, Boggie, and continue to thrive in their life together. Their free time is filled with adventures and activities they both love, including hiking, rock climbing, and ballroom dancing. Thiemo proposed to Julianne on a dreamy, cloudy day on the Schöckl, a mountain in his mother’s hometown of Graz, Austria, surrounded by the love and support of family. The Schöckl holds deep personal meaning for Thiemo, as it was a cherished place from his childhood. He fondly recalls hiking there in the summer, sledding down its slopes in winter, and creating countless memories with his family. Adding this proposal to the mountain’s rich tapestry of memories made the moment even more special and unforgettable.

Thiemo was born in a boarded-up home in St. Thomas shortly after Hurricane Marilyn, where his parents, Almut and Dewitt, had met and settled. After his birth, he grew up in College Park, a suburb of Orlando, Florida, surrounded by his father’s lively extended family and his little sister, Anna. His mother, originally from Graz, Austria, is a talented goldsmith and jeweler who later opened her own business in Orlando. As a child, Thiemo was full of energy and curiosity. He was one of many cousins, often begging the older ones to "burmer me"—that is, bury him in pillows. His love for fantasy worlds, especially Lord of the Rings, was evident from a young age. At school, Thiemo enjoyed most subjects and was active in sports, playing soccer and rowing on the crew team. He also picked up the guitar at 13, inspired by his older cousins, Alex and Ryan. Thiemo’s love for the outdoors was boundless; he spent weekends surfing with his dad and creating mud pools in the backyard. After graduating high school, Thiemo spent two years in Graz, Austria, fulfilling his civil service obligation as part of his Austrian citizenship. This experience deepened his appreciation for his heritage, his family, and the German language. Upon returning to Florida, he started working at Tims Wine Market, where he developed a fascination with the analytical chemistry behind wine and alcohol production. Thiemo pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Florida and now works as a Quality Assurance Technician for Bacardi Rum. In his free time, he plays flamenco-style guitar and eagerly awaits hurricane season in Jacksonville to indulge in his passion for surfing.

Julianne was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Linda and Don, and is the youngest of three siblings, with an older sister, Karianne, and a middle brother, Chase. She moved to Coppell, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, when she was just under two years old. Julianne was a late talker, but once she found her voice, she never stopped. Family home videos capture Karianne and cousin Kourtnie trailing after her, eagerly encouraging her to speak—something they might now look back on with regret! From the moment she started talking, Julianne’s passion for animals and the natural world became clear. She could name every dog breed, eagerly awaited Shark Week on Animal Planet, and spent her days digging through mud and climbing trees. Nothing—be it a peculiar bug or an unusual animal—ever fazed her. In school, she was a dynamo, diving into science, history, and any extracurricular activity that caught her eye. She played soccer, joined the swim team, marched with the tuba in band, sang in the swing choir, acted with a local theater troupe, and even dabbled in photography. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for staying busy were evident from a young age. Julianne eventually pursued her passion at the University of Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a focus on Quantitative Ecology. Today, she works in the data field and is furthering her education with an MSBA. She still enjoys staying busy as she fills her days with her many hobbies such as - pottery, cooking/baking, weight lifting, film photography, and more.

In our lives, we have been privileged to have known and been loved by people who have not made it to our day. Though they're no longer here, their love still surrounds us and we know they will be with us in spirit on our day. Theresa Skaggs (Julianne's 'Aunt Theresa') Paul Overall (Julianne's 'Papaw Overall') John Skaggs (Julianne's 'Pop Skaggs', ) Ann Belote (Thiemo's 'Bama') Bryan Gillick