During the onset of the pandemic when everyone was at home, Jessica’s best friend from childhood, Lauren, (who went to Villanova with Doug) posted several photos of themselves together for her birthday. Doug thought he recognized Jessica, and messaged Lauren about her. To this day, Jessica believes Doug made that part up to introduce himself. Thanks to Lauren, she made the connection for both of them and they started talking!

After Doug learned that Jessica also had a love for tacos and margaritas, they went on their first date to Jose Tejas in Iselin, NJ. The two of them chatted for several hours (mostly Doug), but he was definitely interested in learning more about Jessica and quickly tried to set up another date.

Dating during the pandemic was not easy, so Doug had to get creative. He planned and set up a picnic for the two of them at Natirar Park in New Jersey. Sneakily trying to learn more about Jessica, he printed out a list of questions to play a game and ask each other. The date lasted for several hours, and both of them would agree it was their favorite date ever.

Doug planned a proposal over Mother’s Day weekend in early May of 2022. The plan was to come to New Jersey to visit our moms (we were now living in Pennsylvania full-time) but to stop by his high school for a quick cocktail event before dinner. Doug drags Jessica to these often, so she didn’t think anything of it. On the day of, it was pouring, Jessica was running two hours behind at work and Doug was trying to rush her to get on the road before the sun went down and the photographer wouldn’t be able to capture the moment. After arriving 45 minutes late for the photographer, it ended up being a blessing in disguise as the rain had halted to a small drizzle. Doug was still able to surprise Jessica with a proposal in the gardens of Delbarton, and the two met both of their immediate families for a surprise celebratory dinner afterwards.