Julia and Mark-Anthony first met on August 22, 2023 — a random Wednesday that, little did they know, would change their lives forever. Their very first date was playing mini-golf at Swingers NYC, and even within the first few moments, they both realized this date felt different. Even though Julia wasn’t quite sure how to hold a club at first, the night turned into one of laughter, easy conversation, and a connection so natural it lasted well into the early morning hours. Before they knew it, they were already planning their next date, eager to see each other again as soon as possible.

When Mark-Anthony found out that Julia was willing to trek all the way from Brooklyn to Jersey City for date number two (a huge deal in the NYC dating scene), he knew he had found someone special, maybe even the love he had been waiting for.

From that moment on, Julia and Mark-Anthony became inseparable. They wasted no time blending their lives together, introducing each other to family and friends, and making new memories faster than they could count. Before long, they were celebrating holidays and birthdays side-by-side, jetting off on trips to Puerto Rico, dancing the night away at concerts, and even making last-minute beach runs just because, “How could we stay inside when the sun’s this bright?”

Somewhere between all those moments, Mark-Anthony realized this girl he had fallen head over heels for was the partner he wanted by his side for the rest of his life. After asking for her father’s blessing at none other than Yankee Stadium, the plan to pop the question was officially in motion.

On a night that fittingly fell on another “random Wednesday,” Mark-Anthony took Julia to celebrate their anniversary at the beautiful River Café. After a magical dinner, they took a walk along the Brooklyn waterfront, where they came upon a heart made of rose petals under the iconic bridge. It was there that Mark-Anthony dropped to one knee and asked Julia to marry him, and she said "yes!" with the fastest (and happiest) squeal of her life.

Their story so far has been nothing short of wonderful, with every chapter filled with love, laughter, and happiness. And as this chapter comes to a close, they couldn’t be more excited to start the next one — as Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt.