Our story begins before we even realized. Even though we didn't start dating until March 2016, we have been crossing paths since 2007. Matt was a senior at Freehold Borough High School when I was only a freshman. Being a new student, it was difficult not to notice the cute baseball player. Fast forward a few years, and I again was a freshman at Rowan University during Matt's senior year. Frequently walking in the same circles, we were always friendly, but never considered dating until years later. After I graduated from college and moved back home, we reconnected yet again & the rest was history! Catching up came so naturally to the both of us, that we were shocked we didn't notice the stars aligning sooner. Both of our families moved from Brooklyn to NJ when we were much younger - we were even born in the same hospital! Matt and I quickly bonded over our love of music, baseball games, and of course, dogs of all shapes & sizes. We are firm believers that we entered each other's lives again at the perfect time.

Matt had slyly suggested that we go out for a nice Sunday lunch in Asbury Park "just because." This is pretty normal behavior for my romantic fiancé, so I wasn't too suspicious. He took me back to where we had our first date, Stella Marina. It is such a special place for us and we were throughly enjoying just spending time together on such a gorgeous autumn afternoon. I was so gullible I didn't even notice his constant need to check his jacket pocket. After lunch, Matt led me outside for the second part of our afternoon. We had plans to meet our close friends, Gabby & James, on the boardwalk. The four of us walked together for only a few minutes before Matt called me away from catching up with Gab, and over to his side. As soon as he got me alone, he got down on one knee to propose! I think he was too nervous to wait another second. I was beyond surprised and over-the-moon happy. For anyone who has seen the video, you can hear my disbelief through the happy crying. After a few pictures on the boardwalk, and Matt suggested we head over to Porta for a change of scenery. To my surprise, I walked into a room full of all of our loved ones - both of our families, and our closest friends from all over New Jersey. It was the greatest celebration and truly a magical day for both of us.