We're Officially Mr. & Mrs. Avalos

We were in the midst of a pandemic and everything was looking bleak! Do we need to remind you what went down in March of 2020? Quick recap - THE WORLD SHUT DOWN! Nobody knew what was going to happen or how long it was going to last, but determined to find love, both Julissa and Anthony were swiping left and right on Hinge. Destiny would have it, they both swiped right on each other. After a week of non-stop texting (their work productivity suffered that week), Julissa and Anthony went on a date. He met her in NoHo, where they had tacos from a taco truck (refer to the FAQs). And well, the rest is history! Song: Rihanna’s “We Found Love.”

Within a week, they had 4 dates, exchanged lots of texts, and had several phone calls (work productivity continued to suffer). By this point, Anthony thought they were official because they had deleted their Hinge accounts together. However, in Julissa's mind, that only meant they were exclusive, not official. On their fourth date, Anthony took Julissa out to dinner (the first weekend restaurants opened in LA for a few weeks before they would shut down again). They then went back to Julissa’s place and during an intense game of Jenga, he called her "his girl." Julissa perked up quickly asked, “Your girl? You haven't asked me out.” Anthony, looking perplexed asked, "Didn’t we delete our Hinge accounts? Doesn't that make us official?" To which Julissa replied, "No, that means we're exclusive, not official. If you want me to be your girl, you have to ask me out." So, Anthony built up his courage and asked her out, "Julissa, will you be my girlfriend?" After some back and forth, and some two-left-feet swooning, Julissa said yes! Refer to the FAQs for the "back and forth." Song: Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be”

Dating was surprisingly easy! Even though they were limited with options, Julissa and Anthony loved spending hours with one another and always found something to do. Julissa went to her mom's house and pulled out her bike out of the garage after being there for 10 years. Anthony took her on bike rides, hikes and cook-outs. He even decked out her bike with a bell and basket. With many precautions, Julissa and Anthony started introducing each other to their friends and family. Julissa and Anthony were shocked when they showed up to Julissa’s mom’s house for a quick hello and her whole family was there! Anthony did well under pressure. This helped get introductions out of the way quickly! Julissa, on the other hand, had time to prepare before meeting Anthony’s sister, nephew, and mom. Slowly but surely, Julissa and Anthony became inseparable. So much so, that after four months of dating, Anthony gave notice to his roommates and moved in with Julissa. They now happily reside in NoHo together. Some of the perks of having a live-in boyfriend include waking up to freshly brewed coffee and steak dinners. Some of the perks of having a live-in girlfriend include tasty breakfasts on the weekends and always having fresh salsas. Surprisingly, the one thing they enjoy doing together is folding laundry while watching World News with David Muir or Life Below Zero. Julissa has become obsessed with Life Below Zero. Julissa and Anthony are quite the natural pair. When new people meet the couple, they are always impressed at how in sync they are and how they can even finish each other’s thoughts. It’s very lovely! Song: Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.”

On Christmas day, Julissa got a small jewelry box. She did a really good job containing her emotions and calmly opened the box. To her dismay, they were lovely diamond and blue tanzanite rings -- earrings, that is! Anthony thought this was hilarious! Yes, he thought it was hilarious. Julissa graciously accepted the gift but knew more would come soon. She had a feeling! After talking about their future, marriage, and the never-ending pandemic, it did not seem like a wedding would take place in 2021. But something inside of Julissa couldn't let it go. She knew that they were meant for one another and did not want to wait so she suggested eloping. After all, the biggest concern was the safety of their families and friends, as they both have lost loved ones to this terrible virus. After some late-night chats, they decided to go ring shopping together. Big Step! The day of, before getting out of the car, Julissa asked, "So are we only looking today? Or are we buying?" Anthony cocked his head, furrowed his brows and quickly replied, "Looking." Julissa is an excellent negotiator and was saddened by the news as Anthony wouldn't see her skills at work. After desiging a ring, Maria, the jeweler asked, "Are we putting a deposit down today?" Anthony looked at Julissa and asked, "Well, do you want it?" Julissa responded excitedly "Yes!" Anthony turned to Maria, and decisively said "Yes, let's put a deposit down!” That afternoon, at home, while watching Life Below Zero (of course), Anthony turned to Julissa and said, "Will you marry me?" Julissa responded, "Yes" and planted a big one on him! Song: The Archies' “Sugar, Sugar.”

One thing you should know about Julissa is that she is a hopeless romantic. As the planning for the elopement was progressing, she mentioned to Anthony that while she was really excited that they were getting married, a part of her was sad because she would never have a proposal, like in the movies. After all, their relationship has been like a fairytale. What was supposed to be a low key date-night became the best night ever! Julissa came home from work and both Anthony and her began getting dressed for their date. After nine months of dating through a pandemic, they were excited to start exploring restaurants in their neighborhood as they were starting to allow outdoor dining again. They went to the Hungry Crowd in Toluca Lake and after a very tasty meal, headed to the Griffith Observatory. Anthony didn’t know this at the time, but the observatory is Julissa’s favorite LA landmark. All the stars aligned for the couple! They found parking at the top of the hill. As Anthony was about to pay for parking, a woman offered up her parking pass. They walked around a bit and found the perfect spot. The night was clear and the city lights were shining brightly as were the stars. LA was showing off! Anthony did not waste any time. He discretely pulled out the ring, got down on one knee and popped the question! Julissa was overtaken by emotions and immediately teared up, and couldn’t respond. She couldn’t even see the ring! While Julissa and Maria, the jeweler, had designed the ring, Julissa had not seen the finished product, and was actually starting to wonder when it would be ready to pick up. Anthony had secretly picked it up from the jeweler. After asking Anthony to put the ring on her finger, she said yes and gave him a big kiss! It was the perfect proposal! Anthony pulled out a bottle of champagne and they toasted under the stars. Love was in the air. Song: The Beatles’ “And I Love Her”

After putting a deposit on the ring, Julissa and Anthony quickly got to planning. Early on in their relationship, Anthony had mentioned that if he ever got married, it would have to be in the redwoods. Any of you who know Julissa, know that she doesn't really do the outdoors! She's more a city slicker and prefers the finer things in life, like running water! Caribbean vacations are more her thing! A beach wedding was what she had in mind. Luckily, they live in California, where the redwoods and the beach meet in a magical place called Big Sur! They began the planning and within two weeks had found the location, an officiant, a photographer, a dress, a suit, ordered a cake and a bouquet, and were ready to get married. They just had to wait for the day to arrive. It was tough not to share the excitement with friends and family. After all, they are both family oriented and would have loved to have shared this special day with them. However, we all know COVID has made planning really difficult. The ceremony was very intimate as it was just Julissa, Anthony, the officiant, and the photographer. While their friends and families were not there in person, they know they were there in spirit. Song: Leon Bridges' “Beyond.”

100% They just don't know when! As soon as it's safe to bring all their friends and family together, they plan on having a party. It may look a little different than your typical reception, but it will be fun! Song: 2Pac's "California Love"