Julian and Lauren were both born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, and they met in high school through their mutual friends.

Their friendship continued throughout high school and college where they both graduated from the University of Arizona.

The two began spending more time together in 2020 and eventually started dating during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

In 2021 Julian continued finding his career path and pursuing new hobbies, while Lauren moved to Spain to teach English to middle school students. Although the two decided to take different paths in life, they always kept each other close in their hearts. The bus Lauren had to take to school everyday in Spain was called the “Julian De Castro” they were always connected by an invisible string!

The two have been together again since 2022, and currently live together in Scottsdale, AZ.

On January 25th, 2026 Julian asked Lauren’s father, Peter Scardello, for his blessing and permission to ask Lauren to marry him. Julian proposed to Lauren on March 13th, 2026 in their townhome and surprised her with the most beautiful engagement celebration.

They are both so excited for their upcoming marriage and can’t wait for you all to be a part of it.