How does a girl from Fort Worth, Texas meet and marry a boy from the Champagne region of France? The short answer is Match.com, but the long answer is a story filled with adventure, embracing new opportunities, and a match that was meant to be.
Melissa grew up in Fort Worth and moved to San Jose, CA before starting high school at Archbishop Mitty. She earned her B.S. in Business Marketing while working full-time and moved to Foster City to work for a tech startup, managing corporate event sponsorships, user conferences and field marketing. After getting married and having children, she shifted away from event roles to reduce her traveling and focus on field marketing and demand generation. She is now the Vice President of Marketing at Ubiquity Retirement and Savings, a financial institution dedicated to helping small businesses set up customized 401(k) retirement solutions. You might also find her hosting the French table at Walnut Acres’ International Fair, serving up 150 crepes.
JB was born in Troyes, France in the Champagne region, and later his family settled in the southwest of France in Castelnaudary, the worldwide capital of cassoulet. He developed a love of computers at a young age, and his interest grew when his mom bought him and his brother an Amstrad CPC 464 to program (in English) in order to play computer games. After earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in France, he worked in France and London. Later he took a job at Guidewire, which brought him to California. He now works at LinkedIn and is a Senior Staff Software Engineer, focusing on complex projects and technical leadership. JB has a passion for baking, using traditional French methods to make his own baguettes and pizza. He also loves his French soccer teams: PSG (Paris St. Germain) and TFC (Toulouse Football Club).
Melissa’s and JB’s paths crossed in 2013 when they met via Match.com while both of them were working in Foster City. There was an instant connection, and it became another Match success
story. Less than a year later JB proposed on Baker Beach in San Francisco. They were married at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon surrounded by family and friends.
Emma, 7, and Olivia, 6, attend Walnut Acres Elementary and enjoy girl scouts (a troop that Melissa leads). They love cookie season the best, both selling and eating! Music is also a big part of their lives. JB loves playing piano and other instruments and helps the girls prepare for their piano lessons. Both girls also attend Liberty Gymnastics and UFC Gym in Concord where they take martial arts classes. “They love training, and both have a mean right hook,” says Melissa.
The Chery’s love Halloween! Melissa is crazy about decorating both inside and outside and has carried on the tradition her mother started of sewing Halloween costumes for the family. They have done family themed costumes like Mario, The Little Mermaid, and Star Wars. They loved ending the night at their street block party, enjoying the candy with their neighbors.
And they love Christmas too! Melissa also decorates big for Christmas. Olivia, who is also obsessed with Christmas, even had her birthday party in September as a Christmas-themed pool party, complete with a snow machine! A favorite family tradition is one Melissa’s parents started, going on the Santa Train in Sacramento with all their grandchildren. It’s a fun tradition filled with ugly sweaters, pajamas, hot chocolate, games and a visit with Santa. Every other year they spend Christmas in France with JB’s family. “There’s something truly magical about the holiday season in Europe,” says Melissa, “The Christmas markets, festive lights, and incredible food make it an unforgettable experience. But with the chilly winter weather, I have to admit, I much prefer visiting France during the summer (which they do each year).”
JB trained at the French conservatory as a child and is very musically inclined. In addition to the piano, he also plays guitar and flute. He was once in a local punk hardcore band and wrote some of his own music. The Cherys love growing their own vegetables and teaching their girls to embrace challenges, give your best effort and don’t be afraid of mistakes. Melissa adds, “We feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community. Northgate has been an amazing place to raise our family, and we’re grateful for the friendships and connections we’ve made. We are looking forward to many more great years together.”
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by The Chery Family