It all started on November 19, 2021, at a Friendsgiving dinner at 5th & Poplar — the condo building we both bought into nearly 20 years ago, yet somehow never crossed paths. Life took us in different directions, and it wasn’t until that night, two decades later, that fate finally brought us to the same table. We were both invited by mutual friends and ended up sitting next to each other. Caroline showed up with her signature Jersey energy, unfiltered questions, and undeniable charm. Al brought cookies. Specifically, snickerdoodles from Red’s Bakery, which, to this day, remain the sweet secret weapon that won Caroline’s heart. The conversation was instant and effortless — full of laughs, sparks, and just the right amount of bold flirting disguised as small talk. After dinner, the group headed to 5Church restaurant for a nightcap that quickly turned into dancing, storytelling, and the two of us connecting like old friends who’d been waiting 20 years to meet. Al will tell you he knew Caroline was “way out of his league” — but that didn’t stop him from name-dropping Donnie Iris, quoting the Steelers, and casually flexing his New Castle roots like he was auditioning for a Western PA edition of The Bachelor. Later that night (technically, the next morning), Al sent Caroline a message on Facebook — a Hail Mary he never expected to be caught. But catch it she did. A week later, as Al drove to New Castle for Thanksgiving, he realized he’d left behind a dozen Red’s cookies. Naturally, he messaged Caroline and offered them up. She said yes. Game on. Then came the Christmas party on December 19th — same crew, same condo building, same Red’s cookies, and same 5Church dance floor. From that point on, the 19th became our official monthly anniversary, Red’s cookies became our love language, and exactly three years later — on November 19th, back at 5Church — Al proposed.