Aaron and Julia met in 2021 on Bumble (not sponsored), where Julia sent the first message: “A drummer and a chef… you’re either really cool or a total nightmare,” and Aaron was charmed. Their first date started in the San Jose Rose Gardens, with so much to say to each other that they walked and talked for a good 8 hours!


The following 3 years brought both highs and lows, which Aaron and Julia navigated side by side. In 2022, Aaron’s mother, JoAnn Velayo, passed away. They endured that hardship together, finding comfort in knowing that JoAnn was delighted to see her son so happy and in love.


They also had grand adventures traveling together, visiting Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, and Scotland—which is crazy considering Julia had never left the country before they met! Some particularly dreamy moments include getting caught in the rain in Paris, forging matching silver rings in Dublin, and a sunset anniversary dinner on a rooftop in Florence.


A few weeks later on a sunset stroll down Westcliff Ave. in Santa Cruz, Aaron got on one knee and proposed! Aaron and Julia are beyond grateful for all of the love and support from their friends and family, and can’t wait to celebrate with you all at their wedding in May!