Matt & Julie | Love Stories

​Matt & Julie's love story is one of dreams. Childhood sweethearts (they met in elementary school!), they have two beautiful daughters with one just getting married this past spring. 

I was thrilled to talk to Matt & Julie about their love story. Julie and I worked together a few years ago and she is one of the best people I know. Talking to them about their relationship, I could feel the strength of their love for each other. I especially love the sweet, practical ways they show their love to each other. I hope you are inspired and encouraged by their story.

How long have you been together?
26 Years.

How long have you been married?
25 Years.

How did you meet?
We met in 4th grade at Armagh Elementary in Milroy, Pa.

What do you love the most about each other?
We are best friends. We can talk about anything and all of the time. Supportive, always there no matter what.

What is your fondest memory together?
When our daughters were born or our family beach vacations. Cruise, lazy river with live music, sunshine, and relaxation.

What activity do you love to do together?
Country drives in the mountains. We like to go “deer spotting”. Movies/ Netflix marathon of Harry Potter. We like to cook. Matt does the smoker, pulled pork and ribs - invite family over and enjoy company.

Tell me about your first date.
We have dated off and on since 4th grade. Our first “date” that we remember was on the playground/ school bus. Holding hands 🥰

How did you know he/she was the one?
We are best friends and still miss each other if away for even a weekend. It is different than just dating. It is like we are embedded within each other in every way.

How did he propose?
He asked me to get something out of his pocket during a movie. (Ring) Read an amazing note he wrote to me and then asked me to marry him.

What do you remember about the day you got married?
Our best memories of our wedding day was just how many people showed up. We felt so loved!! Unfortunately so many people that we were not expecting and had to pay extra for food and all - a lot of extra last minute logistics. The best part of the day was leaving for our honeymoon.

What was the best advice you received when you got married?
Enjoy every moment and don’t stress the little things.
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In what practical ways do you show your love for each other?
We are very close. Surprising me with breakfast. I pack his lunch for work. Leave notes in his lunchbox. Go out and get gas for him so he doesn’t have to stop the next morning. Texting each other selfies. Brings me wine home when especially bad day at work. Just take care of each other and be there for each other.

How do you make up after getting mad?
Snuggle, good movie.

What do you see as one of the biggest challenges couples face in their relationships?
Kids.

What was a defining moment of your relationship? (experience, trial, situation)
When Mackenzie had Kawasaki Disease when she was 15 months old. She was so sick off/on for a long time. That was even more of a reality check for what is truly important.

If there is one, what would you say is the secret to a happy and fulfilling relationship?
Do not make your kids the #1 important in your life. #1 should be God. Then take care of yourself; each other, and your relationship (alone time). I am not saying don’t take care of your kids, just there should be balance and your relationship with each other should be incredibly important.

What do you look forward to in the rest of your life together?
Quiet evenings, sunrises/sunsets, long walks on the beach, road trips with my best friend .... simplicity.

What advice do you have for other couples who are dating?
Love your God, pray, treat each other the way you want to be treated, respect.

What advice do you have for other couples who are engaged?
Small wedding or no formal ceremony. Invest more in the honeymoon and time for the two of you!

What advice do you have for other couples who are married?
Keep it simple. Don’t stress trying to always keep up with everyone else. Take family vacations!!!

Anything else you would like to share?
I just love him. It is like he is my twin. He is always there for me and sends me messages every day. I think our marriage is even stronger now that our daughters have started to move out.

Matt & Julie, thank you for letting us share in your joy! Thank you for your words of wisdom and may your love grow stronger each and every year.

Much love,
​
Terry