Once upon a time, there was a Facebook group called Spartan Singles. This group was created to connect single individuals with a love for obstacle course racing from across the country. One day, a member of the group asked everyone where they lived. A guy with a dog as his profile picture commented that he lived in Verona, NJ. A girl who was afraid of dogs took a chance and responded that she lived in White Plains, NY. The guy sent the girl a private message on January 28, 2018, and the rest is history. And so begins the story of Janine and Andrew!

Janine and Andrew met through their mutual love of obstacle course racing, but their first official date in person was at a room escape called 5 Wits in the Palisade’s Mall on February 3, 2018. They immediately learned they made a great team, and had a blast successfully escaping all three rooms! They ended the evening with a romantic shared Japanese meal in the food court and a short excursion to the Disney store.

To re-capture some of the magic from their first date, Andrew came to the conclusion that the best way to propose was to find a worthy room escape. Andrew was familiar with a company in New Jersey with challenging rooms. He contacted them and chose their “Jewel Heist” room for the big moment. On March 16, 2019, Janine, Andrew, and both their Moms went out together. Janine was told they would be helping a family member move, but instead Andrew drove them to the escape room to execute the plan he had been developing for months! After successfully completing the escape room, Andrew said, "but wait, there's more!" He told Janine to open one of the lockers containing a card that said, "I love you with all my heart...will you marry me?" Upon turning back around, Andrew was down on one knee and proposed, with both Moms present, too! For months, Andrew had been telling Janine the proposal would be a three-part plan. He confirmed that the proposal was only the first part! After the escape room, Janine, Andrew, and their Moms went back to Andrew's parent's house where Andrew grew up. Upon walking into the house, the majority of Janine and Andrew's closest family and friends were gathered for a surprise engagement party! This was the moment where Janine was most emotional. She could not have imagined trying to gather as many people in one place at the same time. There was one more surprise still waiting as part of this grand plan. While there was some regret in not seeing all of our friends and family, Andrew had created a secret Facebook group to organize the special day. Part three of the plan was to compile photos and well wishes from family and friends (added in the secret Facebook group!). This final part, an everlasting collage of love, provided the perfect way to remember the proposal and all the love and support that came with it. With the love and support from both families and friends, the wedding will be a second party similar to the engagement. This time, Janine and Andrew will officially become husband and wife! We can’t thank everyone enough for being part of our journey. We are so grateful for everything, and very excited to celebrate such a big moment in our lives!