First Stop – Toledo

In 2015, a few months after Frank and I (Julia) got engaged, I moved from Gainesville, Florida to Toledo, Ohio, to get to know Frank’s family a little better. I moved in with his parents in Toledo’s suburb of Sylvania because it was important to us that we not live together at first, but we did not want to be in a long distance relationship anymore. For those who don’t know, Toledo and Sylvania sit snug up against the Michigan border. While we lived there, we participated in a number of local “must-dos.” We explored the Toledo Museum of Art, picked apples at Erie Orchards in Michigan, and baked a homemade apple pie from scratch! I loved making the lattice and smothering that pie with all of the gooey goodness, inside and out.

Meanwhile, during the fall, another frequent thing we did involved a fan-favorite fall activity: roasting marshmallows around a fire on the back patio! Few things bond a family better than good food, inside jokes, and gathering around a warm fire. Those Friday nights relaxed us and took away the stress of the week. Frank worked a relatively stressful job as a quality engineer, and I spent most days planning our wedding and missing Florida. Time passed, winter was mild, and we got a puppy! A sweet and snuggly bull mastiff named Augustine, whom we love very much!

Getting to Marriage:

On May 7, 2016 in St. Augustine, FL, we finally married! We had quite a journey arriving there; for the early part of our relationship, I discerned becoming a nun. Nonetheless, Frank persevered in pursuing me and with time, I realized marriage was our vocation. Yet, long before Frank came into my life, I had visited the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine with friends. I noticed its incredible beauty, and so I prayed, “If I am called to marriage, I need to get married here. I would love to have my wedding photos taken in front of this magnificent structure!” Eventually, God answered this prayer; we married at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and had our pictures taken in front of my favorite shrine!

A little superficial, I know, but we have no regrets; it was a truly fantastic wedding, surrounded by so many loved ones!

Honeymoon:

A few days later, we enjoyed a marvelous honeymoon in Jamaica at the All-Inclusive Jewel Paradise Cove Adult Beach Resort & Spa! Crystal clear waters, far too many excursions, and the most delicious jerk chicken filled our week. In addition, we hiked two waterfalls, drank cocktails at swim-up bars, and tubed down a river while being serenaded by our guide with the songs of Bob Marley. We loved it so much, we truly cannot wait to go back!

Newlyweds:

Around two months of marriage, Frank decided he had had enough of living in the Midwest. Frank has always had two primary dreams: Get married, and move to Naples, Florida. His family had vacationed there throughout his childhood, so he always wanted to live there permanently. With this dream in mind, Frank began applying for a new job that would allow him to achieve his dream. Before we knew it, a medical device firm in Naples hired him. Therefore, off we went on our first long-term adventure as a married couple!

Next up: Naples, Pt. 1!