Gabby and Anthony’s story actually didn’t begin with a first date… it began with friendship. They grew up as neighborhood kids, went to the same high school, college, etc. Over the years, the two built a friendship filled with long conversations about life, family, and everything in between. It was simple, but meaningful. Looking back, those talks might make their love seem inevitable. They just didn’t know at the time. Gabby remembers one moment that stands out. After grabbing burgers at All American Hamburger, she asked Anthony what he thought love meant. Later that night, he sent her the lyrics to “Stan” by 6lack. At the time it was just another late-night conversation between friends — but in hindsight, it felt like the beginning of something more. Life eventually took them in different directions for a little while, but years later they reconnected at a birthday party. Around the time of Gabby’s 30th birthday, they started texting again. Gabby remembers sitting with her mom talking about Anthony after he randomly asked how her mother was doing. A small gesture that meant a lot. While visiting Sedona with her mom, Gabby felt inspired to invite Anthony to celebrate her 30th birthday at Patrizia’s of Long Island. Their first official date was at Mill Pond House. The night ended at Northport Harbor, where they sat under a starry night and spent the rest of the evening talking about family, life, dreams, and the things that truly make them happy. Gabby and Anthony both knew in that moment they had something special and united between the two of them. From there, their relationship grew quickly and naturally. Together they embraced a healthier lifestyle and began building a life centered around the things and people that mattered most to them. Fittingly, the first time Gabby told Anthony she loved him was after a concert by 6lack, bringing their story back to the artist who had quietly been part of it from the beginning. About a year after that, Anthony brought Gabby back to Northport Harbor. She had no idea what was about to happen. Her parents were visiting from North Carolina, and Anthony had secretly coordinated with both families. While Gabby and Anthony walked through the park, their families were hiding nearby, squeezed in a park bathroom for nearly an hour trying not to laugh. Instead of going crazy, everyone ended up bonding and laughing so hard that Anthony’s brother almost missed his cue to take pictures. As the sun began to set over the harbor, Anthony got down on one knee in the exact spot where they had shared their first kiss on their first date. Today, Gabby and Anthony have built a beautiful life together with their cat, Mia. They continue a story that started many years ago with two local kids who simply loved talking to each other.