Julie and Jon met for the first time at a “friends-giving” potluck dinner in 2015. Jon bounced in full of energy with a handful of gluten-free goodies while Julie watched him from afar, quietly enjoying the Oreo-balls. Over the coming months they became quick friends, bonding over 90s emo music, nerdy math, and the modern day dilemma of working from home.
They started sharing “work from home” days together at local coffee shops and the time started to pass too quickly. It helped that they both work in the technology and software sectors. They offered each other advice, laughs, and personal and professional support with great ease.
When Julie hit her low of 2016 after an unexpected lay-off, Jon was the first one to offer his shoulder to cry on and his ear to listen. Realizing how much he cared for her, he thought about asking her out that day but figured the timing wasn’t right (he’s so smart). Instead, he generously bought her dinner on the promise that Julie would return the favor after her first new paycheck.
Well, at some point during a Reel Big Fish concert he mustered up the courage to cleverly turn that dinner plan into a date. Many other dates quickly followed. They traveled the country to catch concerts and visit zoos for a couple years and had the time of their lives.
On October 14, 2018, when Julie was distracted by pandas Ya Ya and Li Li at the Memphis Zoo (the final of four panda zoos in the United States for her to visit), Jon got down on one knee and popped the question. She said yes with a massive smile! Many wedding planning days later, they can’t wait to tie the knot and share the celebration with their closest family and friends on March 7, 2020.