from high school to forever

Justin and Gabriella were first introduced by mutual friends during his junior, her sophomore year at Midlothian High School: although the date of their first official meeting is subject to a heavy debate between the two. A few months went by, and Justin made the first move to connect with Gabriella like most Gen Z couples: he added her on Snapchat. Gabriella was apprehensive at first (as can be confirmed by her bridesmaid, Maddie), but something intrigued her about Justin. Maybe it was the fact that he towered over most everyone in school, drove a bright red Prius, or that he wore pajama pants and slippers basically every day, but a fast friendship formed between J & G. A few months went by, and in the summer of 2018, Justin and Gabriella made their relationship official on a date to get their free 7/11 Slurpees. Although their young love had its ups and downs throughout high school, the two found it was best to separate for a period when Justin was in his freshman year of college and Gabriella in her senior year of high school. Through some time, growth, and personal development, the two found their way back to one another in the Spring of 2020 and the rest is history. J & G defied most everyone's expectations when deciding to persue a long distance relationship throughout college, yet the two never had doubts about the strength of their love. Through the years, they experienced many firsts together, traveled to the Outer Banks, Disney World, Costa Rica, Alaska, Canada, and Italy, and embraced the love and support of their families and friends. In 2023, Justin's education path got thrown for a loop, and with Gabriella's support (as well as that of their families) the two moved in to their first apartment in Newport News, VA while Gabriella finished her undergrad at CNU and Justin began to pursue his new path through an online program with SNHU. Finally, in June 2024, the day J & G had talked about since they were teenagers had arrived: the day Justin would ask Gabriella to spend the rest of their lives together. On June 23, the two took the chance to spend the day together in Williamsburg, VA, prior to what Gabriella though would be a family visit to a winery, where he took her on a walk through the beautiful campus of The College of William & Mary and towards the Crim Dell Bridge. As they approached, Justin explained there is an old story that states that a couple who crosses the Crim Dell holding hands is one that will be together forever. As they reached the top of the bridge, Justin got down on one knee and popped the question, and without a drop of hesitation SHE SAID YES!!! This was not the only surprise of the day, as Justin had organized for both of their parents and siblings to be together celebrate the exciting news. A month later the two celebrated their 6-year anniversary and began the process of planning their big day!! They decided on April 11, 2026 as the perfect date due to its position between both Justin and Gabriella's birthdays (March 22 & April 22, respectively), as well as its tribute to the day their love story began, on July 11, 2018. They can not wait to celebrate their everlasting love as they say "I Do" in the beautiful mountains of Orange, VA at The Market at Grelen!!