Dan and Crete met online via Hinge and instantly connected over their New York roots—him from Peekskill in Westchester County and her from Suffern in Rockland County. As it turned out, they grew up just a bridge apart (the Tappan Zee Bridge, that is) - what a small world! They bonded over their shared love for New York-style pizza and real bagels (if you know, you know) and their mutual appreciation for living by the ocean, having made a second home for themselves in Rhode Island. But there was one debate they couldn’t settle: Where are the best sunsets in Rhode Island? Crete swore by Ocean Drive in Newport, while Dan was convinced nothing could top a summer sunset in Watch Hill. Naturally, the only way to resolve it was to meet in person for their first date...

On August 9, 2020, Dan and Crete had their first date—one that felt straight out of a rom-com. Dan planned the entire day, picking Crete up from a house where she was dog-sitting in Portsmouth and driving across the state to Watch Hill, a part of Rhode Island she had never been to before. Since both were avid runners at the time, they kicked things off with a 2+ mile jog around Watch Hill. As Dan pointed out local landmarks and childhood memories, Crete couldn’t help but notice how many people he knew—he was basically the mayor of Watch Hill. After the run, they went back to Dan’s place, where he made brunch: French toast topped with bananas. It was a small but meaningful detail—he had casually asked her what she liked for brunch in a prior conversation and remembered - that won Crete over instantly. Next, they packed for the beach, where Dan brought his beloved green tube. As they walked, he played The Beach Boys on a speaker—another nod to one of Crete's favorite artists—creating the perfect summer vibe. Once they settled in on the sand with some White Claws, Crete noticed Dan looking around nervously. Jokingly, she asked if he had brought another date here before. Turns out, his parents were also at the beach, walking right toward them. Not exactly part of the plan! Luckily, they passed by without interruption, throwing only a curious glance at Dan and his mystery lady. A little later, they floated in the green tube, chatting and enjoying the water. It was there that they had their first kiss—though to this day, they still debate who made the first move. After the beach, they changed again and explored the Westerly area, strolling through the park and even hopping along chalk-drawn hopscotch squares like kids. Dan showed Crete the Connecticut-Rhode Island border before surprising her with a homemade pizza night—another nod to their shared love of New York-style pizza. As they cooked, Dan served red wine—Crete’s favorite—despite not being much of a wine drinker himself (something she quickly picked up on when he barely touched his glass). He also put on Pirates of the Caribbean, one of her favorite childhood movies. The only hiccup? He realized too late that he didn’t own a pizza cutter. When Crete suggested using kitchen shears, Dan was skeptical—so skeptical that he called his friend Jay, who owns a pizza shop, to confirm if it was a thing. (Spoiler: it is, and it works better than a pizza cutter. To this day, it’s their go-to method.) And that is the story of Dan and Crete's official first date.

On New Year’s Eve 2023, what was supposed to be a simple night out with friends turned into the most unforgettable evening of Crete’s life. Unbeknownst to her, Dan had secretly teamed up with Mia—Crete’s longtime friend and now maid of honor—back in November to design the engagement ring of her dreams. It was something Mia and Crete had been dreaming and chatting about for ages, never knowing that Dan was already putting those conversations into motion. The plan for the evening was casual: dinner and drinks with Mia and her husband Adam at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. The group didn’t realize there was a private event happening, so they ended up wandering out to the back deck overlooking the very beach where Dan and Crete had their first date—an already sentimental spot now set to become even more meaningful. After taking a few group photos, Crete stepped aside for a few solo shots. While her back was turned, Dan quietly got down on one knee. When she turned around, he was holding the ring and asking her to marry him. Though it was a total surprise, there were subtle clues along the way. Mia, who had basically become Crete’s personal stylist, had curated her entire look for the night—from the outfit to the accessories, even helping her choose a nail color. She also managed to capture the entire proposal in stunning photos they’ll treasure forever. It was romantic, thoughtful, and incredibly them—a perfect moment that marked the start of their next big adventure. Just like that, 2024 began with a "yes."