We're Getting Married!

Will and Julia met on a dating app, Bumble, four days before Julia was planning to leave Richmond for over a month for winter break. They hit it off right away and decided that they needed to get together before Julia left, so quickly arranged to meet in person for their first date. Will took Julia out to Mellow Mushroom for dinner where they talked about everything and nothing while sharing a pepperoni pizza, then they went to see the movie "Knives Out." The date was perfect - it felt so easy and natural, like they had known each other for years instead of hours. It felt meant to be, and it was! ♡

Julia and William got back together after the new year and picked up right where they left off, going on many dates, meeting each other's friends, and talking almost nonstop despite work and classes. Their relationship was starting off on a great foot! In March of 2020, COVID struck, and Julia and William both left Richmond to lockdown with their families. They only saw each other three times through the spring and summer. Being apart was difficult, but the long-distance experience made them realize how strong their relationship was and how much they loved each other. In early August of 2020, Julia and William moved back to Richmond, finally together again! Shortly after returning to Richmond, William closed on his first house in Henrico, Virginia, which Julia helped him move into and set up. Their favorite place in the house is their game room, which they use to play lots of Pathfinder with friends and board games like Pandemic Legacy and Gloomhaven! In December 2020, they celebrated their first anniversary by recreating their first date. They spent Christmas in William's hometown, Martinsville, Virginia, and rang in the new year together. By that point, Julia had practically moved in, but they officially moved in together in January 2021. Life has slowed down since. Julia and William adopted two kittens, Pepperpot and Mithai, from their foster mom in Guyana in June 2021. They go rock climbing, play tennis at their local park, cook and bake together, and always find time to watch Jeopardy. Things are peaceful and every day feels like a gift. ♡

Will's original plan to propose was thrown out the window after he and Julia had an amazing time together at a Manchester Orchestra concert. Once they got home, Will told Julia how much he regretted not proposing during the performance and how he wished he'd brought the ring, to which she replied, "You can still propose; I'm not going to say no." Will practically leaped out of his chair to go get the ring, then proposed to Julia in their front room with their two cats close by. The time was right - he just couldn't wait another moment, and she was so ready to say yes. ♡