Love comes when you least expect it. That’s why people call it falling in love. You cannot learn to fall, nor do you ever plan to. You just happen to fall. This perfectly sums up the story of Matt and Alyssa. In June 2016, Alyssa moved – for the tenth time – to Marlboro, New Jersey from St. Louis, Missouri. Although the process of moving from state to state was not anything new for Alyssa, this time was especially difficult as she was sixteen, leaving her friends, and had to adjust to a new high school. To say the least, the next year of Alyssa’s life was difficult (just ask Ellen and Frank). That all changed, however, in May 2017. While Alyssa was working her shift at Red Tomato Urban Pizzeria, Matt entered seeking a job. Similar to Alyssa, Matt was also making a serious life adjustment. After playing baseball throughout the entirety of his life, Matt decided to quit the game he loved – leaving a void he did not know how to fill. Unbeknownst to Matt, his decision to stop playing baseball would become the best decision he ever made. Throughout the course of the next six months, these two teenagers were unknowingly building something special – a foundation to what would become an inextricable relationship. Red Tomato soon became a safe haven for Matt and Alyssa, a place where they could both escape and learn more about each other. On October 26, 2017, Matt (finally) took Alyssa on their first date to Overeasy Kitchen. During their first date, Matt and Alyssa spent so much time talking that Overeasy asked them to leave. Their chemistry only grew stronger as these two seniors in high school would always find time during the week to go on dinner dates. On January 14, 2018, Matt finally asked Alyssa to be his girlfriend (clearly, he likes to take his time). The both of them quickly became inseparable. When it was time to go to college, Matt and Alyssa both decided to go to Rutgers University. Matt attended the School of Arts and Sciences Honors Program at Rutgers and Alyssa became captain of the Rutgers Cheer Team. Throughout their four years at Rutgers, Matt never missed a football game, cheering on Alyssa in the stands every Saturday. After graduating, Matt and Alyssa moved to Weehawken, New Jersey, where Matt attended Fordham Law School and Alyssa became a teacher for students with disabilities. Although adjusting to the new environment was difficult, they continued to use their relationship as a support system to overcome challenges. Put simply, they were, and continue to be, each other’s rocks. Whenever either of them has a stressful day or needs to take an exam, they remind themselves that – no matter what – the day will end with each other and that’s all that matters. Shortly after beginning this new chapter of their lives, Matt proposed to Alyssa on August 10th, 2024 in Cape May, New Jersey. Matt proposed on the beach and in front of the Cape May Lighthouse to pay remembrance to Alyssa’s late grandfather - Patrick Gallagher – who cherished the Wildwood Beach and always had Alyssa wave to “Mr. Ocean” at the conclusion of each summer. Recently, Matt and Alyssa moved into a townhome in Old Bridge, New Jersey, where they made one more addition to their family – a puppy named Nola! Although, at this point, Matt and Alyssa have been together for seven and a half years, they both continue to grow their relationship and serve as each other’s support systems, partners, and best friends. As they like to remind each other, they are a team – they win together, they lose together. However, regardless of any bad days or stressful events, they will always be there for each other – they will always continue to fall. Both Matt and Alyssa would like to thank everyone for their help and support throughout their relationship. Most importantly, they cannot wait to celebrate on June 26, 2026.