The Date was Sunday, October 31, 2021. I was on my back from an eye appointment. The Steelers were just about to kick off and I didn’t want to miss it. Driving up 376 near the Center exit, I pulled in to the closet place I knew, Paradise Pub. I sat down and the first thing I laid my eyes on was this tall, dark haired handsome man with the kindest eyes sitting there right in front of me, I could not stop looking at him, I really thought he would catch me. This gut feeling said I have to know this man. Halftime came and I took that opportunity to introduce myself, He wasn’t paying much mind to me, but being very patient answering all my questions. After some very short small talk, I took the hint and went back to my seat. The game was over so I gathered my things to go help mother pass out Halloween candy. At the same time, Jeff, the handsome guy, swooped in beside me, and asked “whatcha drinking?” I said “nothing now.” He replied with “If you stay and talk to me, I’ll buy you a drink.” I said, Okay, but just one.” We talked for hours, and needless to say, I never made it to pass out candy (sorry mom). Minutes after getting home, Jeff called to make sure I made it and to ask me to join him for breakfast the next morning. When we met, I was so nervous. I don’t know why. I wasn’t looking or expecting him to be interested in dating me, but I caught butterflies and I must have looked like a fool with a huge grin on my face when he asked me on our first date. From then, our love story grew. Our story started on October 31 2021, Halloween day, watching the Steelers. I knew my life would be completely changed that day… the day I met the love of my life. It makes me smile to this day when someone asks where we met. I can literally say in Paradise. #Steelerversary #metinparadise #Iloveyouforever.

Almost 3 years later on Labor Day, September 2, 2024…. We were celebrating Jeff’s birthday at a Green Day Concert in Pittsburgh. It was a perfect day, no bad weather in sight, until after the concert. We were going to walk back to the hotel, but the rain was just pouring down, Jeff suggested we go to the restaurant across the street to wait it out, we did, but no such luck, it continued to rain. We went to another place for a nightcap, then we decided to Uber back seeing there was no end to the rain in sight. Back at the hotel, he was adamant about going to the roof, but unfortunately it was raining, so we gave up and went to bed. Side note: During our entire lunch, and on our way to the hotel, he kept asking me if I wanted any champagne. He said that after the concert we could have champagne on the rooftop. I gave the same response multiple times, “We have some wine, we don’t need Champagne. Why do you keep asking if I want champagne?” (His plan was that he was going to ask me to marry him on the rooftop.) The next day I wanted to visit Station Square, since we were so close. I hadn’t been there, since moving back from Myrtle Beach. We walked up and down the strip. lMany of the places were closed but we stopped into a brewery for a light snack. He asked if I wanted to go somewhere for lunch. I said I was in the mood for food truck food and perhaps we could walk to the Point. He said, “What about the Grand Concours at Station Square?” What I didn’t know was that he had already made the reservation while in the Strip, telling me he wanted to have his last birthday meal there. We finished lunch and he asked if I wanted to go for a walk along the river before going home. It was chilly and windy. I recognized immediately where we were when we got outside. We had spent our first New Year (2022) at the Hard Rock. We didn’t walk too far, just in front of the fountains behind the restaurants. He asked if I wanted to sit on the bench, it was a little windy for him. We were talking for a bit about that first New Year Eve, we talked about the river, and what we were going to do when we got home. I noticed he kept “scratching ” around his waist where his belt hit. He asked if I wanted to continue to walk some more. I said “sure, but why are you scratching your butt?” I looked toward the river . He continued saying, “I don’t care what we do as long as we do it together, will you marry me?”… I turn my head back to him and look down at his hand holding this tiny ring box. I’m completely shocked!! I was speechless. Nothing was coming out of my mouth! I just said “Are you going to kneel?” He said, “I’m too old to kneel”! He kneeled. I said, “Are you going to open the box?” He opened the box, and there were tears from both of us. I put the ring on, kissing and hugging him saying “I can’t believe we’re engaged, love, are you sure?” He just stared at me…. I forgot to answer! …… after a few seconds…. Finally “yes.” “yes, I will marry you”… We are excited to share this next chapter in our journey with all of you. Thank you for sharing this moment with us!