Tighten those wristbands.
Slather on the sunscreen.
Get ready for the music, because it’s gonna get loud.

The story of Judy and Justin began in February of 2002.

Justin, a lanky, crazy-haired 18-year-old, was looking into prospective colleges and happened to be visiting Cal State Fullerton. Judy, a short, sassy, overly-ambitious 19-year-old had already started her first year at CSUF and was completely immersed in the hectic adventures of student activities. She had joined Freshman Programs, New Student Programs, and sold over-priced books to broke students at the campus bookstore. That day in February, she just so happened to be running a booth for Freshman Programs when Justin approached and asked, “So, why should I come to Fullerton?” Judy delivered an enthusiastic rant Justin didn’t really listen to, but she must have made some kind of impression because he remembered her later that summer.

That July, Judy was leading a summer orientation group for new students. After seeing her from afar, Justin shimmied over to Judy and said, “Hey, remember me?” to which she replied, “Um, no, sorry. But, welcome! I’m about to help students register for classes, wanna come?! Go Titans!” Judy helped Justin register for his first semester of college and told him she’d also be living in the campus dorms as a resident advisor that August (now adding a fourth campus job to her jam-packed resume).

Judy helped Justin move into his dorm later that Summer and the pair began spending more time together, learning about campus life through silly dorm socials and late night study sessions. They officially began dating in March of 2003, but, like most 20-year-olds, the couple had quite the fickle relationship for the next few months… OK, years.

In August of 2004, Justin decided he’d head out to Texas and pursue his dream of “joining” a band and living like a rock star (his primary duties included passing out flyers and moshing). But California beckoned and he moved back in early 2005, rekindling his relationship with Judy. That August, however, Judy decided to pursue HER dream of becoming a British rock star from the ‘60s, spending that semester abroad in London. Not one to miss an English excursion, Justin happily flew across the pond to visit and their adventures continued. When Judy returned to the States, the two indulged their passion for music by attending as many concerts and music festivals as their financial aid could cover.

In June of 2006, Judy graduated from CSUF, but Justin still had one more year to go. Long story short: the two spent some time apart, but they never really lost touch. Through thick and thin, Judy and Justin were there for each other despite life’s many obstacles: long distances, years of grad school, random jobs and—most tragically—differing tastes in music. But by September of 2009, Judy and Justin came to understand the deep love and appreciation they shared for one another and have been inseparable ever since.

By 2011, they moved to Santa Barbara together for Judy’s teaching job and enjoyed their time as pseudo-hippie beach bums. Justin even went outside a few times.

On a warm Santa Barbara night in July of 2014, surrounded by friends, candles, and chihuahuas, Justin proposed to Judy. She cried hysterically, delivered an enthusiastic rant, and said yes.

Like any music festival worth its price of admission, the past thirteen years have seen Judy and Justin’s relationship grow from a humble beginning to an electric engagement. To see their love evolve and intensify from one year to the next is a soul-affirming guarantee that everything is as it should be; life is great and love is like your favorite song booming from an outdoor stage on a hot-shouldered summer evening—you can’t imagine that moment being any better (why would you want it to be?) but more importantly, you can’t even begin to imagine Judy without Justin, Justin without Judy, or the music ever ending.

Written by Jeff Sinclair and Judy Chavez