The story begins with a Super Bowl run, but not one Gabi or Rich were particularly thrilled about. Following years spent unknowingly crossing paths at Drexel, parties thrown by mutual friends, and even in random photos with Rich's family. Thanks to the magic of the Cavanaugh's playoff watch party and a large Eagles lead over Minnesota, Rich approached Gabi and struck up a conversation about Jimmy Garoppolo. And then they were off - exploring the city, sharing a love for good food and wine, and dreaming up a future on the West Coast. Right place, right time for two people who were always in each other's lives without knowing.

Two years went by in a flash. Restaurants, tailgates, birthdays, friends, families, Mardi Gras, Europe. They did all of the things. Hemmed in by the pandemic, Gabi moved into Rich's one bedroom apartment knowing that if they could survive 600 sq ft in a near-windowless room, a move to California would work out just fine. Over the summer of 2020, Gabi moved back to the West Coast, started her dream job at UCSF, and set the foundation for their life together in California. Rich would follow a few months later and the two would buy their first home together in sunny San Jose. With the love and support of friends and family, the South Bay has become home.

Settled into life out West, Rich couldn't wait to finally get down on one (often sore) knee and ask Gabi to marry him. A lifetime of love, traveling, and homemade soups was a simple question away. With the help of the families and careful planning, Rich turned a cancelled Ironman weekend into a Napa surprise that would last forever. As they descended the steps of the Domaine Carneros chateau with their parents, Rich suggested they pose for some photos, most of which were entirely fake. After nearly four years of knowing they'd found their soulmates, Gabi said "yes!".