10 years later...it's happening!!!10 years later...it's happening!!!

It all began in kindergarten at St. Ann’s Elementary School in Yonkers, New York—back when sharing crayons was the highest form of commitment. Francesco and Gabriella met like most great love stories do: probably over snack time or arguing about whose turn it was to use the good markers. From the very beginning, they were inseparable—best friends before they even knew what that really meant. Fast forward to 6th grade, when Francesco, fueled by courage and possibly a bit of playground peer pressure, decided it was time. He asked Gabriella to be his girlfriend. She said no. A devastating plot twist. But did Francesco give up? Absolutely not. Legends don’t quit that easily. He simply… waited. (Okay, maybe not so patiently, but still.) Years went by. Awkward phases came and went. They stayed best friends through it all—through middle school chaos, teenage drama, and everything life started throwing their way. Then came junior year of high school. A more refined, slightly older (and definitely more strategic) Francesco tried again after 21 previous failed attempts. This time, with perfect charm, he asked: “Wait, I thought we were already dating?” And this time… Gabriella said "well, I guess so". Finally. Character development. From that moment on, the rest really was history. What started as two kids sharing a street and a classroom turned into something deeper—a love built on years of friendship, trust, and knowing each other in a way most couples only hope to. They didn’t just fall in love—they grew into it. Together, they experienced life’s blessings and its heartaches. They stood by each other through the highs, the lows, and everything in between, always rooted in that same friendship that started it all back in kindergarten. By the time they say “I do,” they’ll have been together nearly a decade—but in truth, they’ve been side by side their whole lives. From crayons to commitment. From “no” to forever. From best friends… to soulmates. And honestly? It was worth the wait.