Luke and Julia, originally from Roanoke, VA, and Mount Pleasant, SC, respectively, met during undergrad in a Management Science class at the University of South Carolina. Their first date was at the Salty Nut Cafe, a local college dive bar, and while it may not have been extravagant, it sure was fun! They share a passion for football, with a deep-rooted love for their USC Gamecocks who they cheer on proudly.

Their life in Raleigh began in 2016 when Luke’s job brought them to the Triangle where he’s an MBA candidate at NC State University and works as a Financial Consultant in FinTech. Julia is in Supply Chain management for a 3rd party logistics company with Coca-Cola® as her client.

On a typical night at home Luke and Julia enjoy cooking dinner together and drinking red wine. When they want to enjoy a night out, they often frequent Kai Sushi and they love grabbing coffee at Sola Cafe. Raleigh’s diverse culinary scene definitely provides plenty of opportunities to explore different cuisines and flavors.

When it comes to hobbies, Luke is an avid golfer so it’s a huge perk to live just a short drive from multiple amazing courses. Julia is a crafter and enjoys renovation which she’s had the opportunity to do plenty of since purchasing their home in 2021. They’ve made various updates, including upgraded lighting, painting the interior and the cabinets,  removing popcorn ceilings, and replacing all countertops with Cary Granite (they send a shout out to Owen Murphy!). Julia even personally renovated their downstairs half bathroom! They’ve transformed their house into a cozy and inviting space for their growing family. One room they hold dear is the nursery, which has become even more special with the addition of their three-month-old son, Thomas.

Outside their “four walls”, the neighborhood offers a unique blend of convenience and charm. Luke and Julia appreciate the walkability of the community, ensuring their adorable dog, Millie, enjoys her daily walk. Thomas can even attend daycare without ever leaving the neighborhood! They feel extra secure knowing their neighborhood is located right behind the police station which we’re sure will delight Thomas to see and hear bright lights and fun sirens as he grows older.

Purchasing a home can certainly be a challenging experience but not for Luke and Julia! They say “We loved working with Meredith and it was a seamless experience from start to finish! We got our first offer accepted on our first home and we couldn’t have been more fortunate! It was a dream come true for our first home buying experience! We can’t wait to work with Meredith and Carlton Realty Co again in the future!” The feeling is definitely mutual! As Luke, Julia, and Thomas continue to build their life in Raleigh, we can only imagine the wonderful memories and experiences that lie ahead.

                                                                             Photos by Anna Haddock, follow her at @annakaitphoto