Amanda and Jim met in March of 2014 while both working at Trader Joe's, on Amanda's third day. Immediately there was a connection, and within a month, they were dating. Their new relationship endured while Jim left for a month to travel to Europe, and despite the distance, they grew even closer, as they kept in constant contact. By the time Jim got back, they both knew what they had was special. Over the next 4 years, their love only grew stronger, and on a warm Venice night in September 2017, they both decided to spend the rest of their lives together!

On September 11, 2017 in Venice, Italy, I had a life changing day thanks to my fiancé Jim Slattery. It is a day I will never forget. As we strolled through the streets and town squares of Venice, we came across a band that started playing romantic music. We both decided to find a restaurant nearby with outdoor seating so we could enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and music. We ordered wine and the most delicious pasta I've ever had. During our dinner, Jim noticed a certain smile I have when I am extremely happy with how perfect the moment is, from the food,company and to the music. At that moment, he knew this was the night he was going to ask me to marry him. After our dinner we strolled near the docks at the end of the square by the gondolas. As we walked by he suddenly asked if I would like to go on a gondola ride, which was an experience in itself I would never forget. As people were taking pictures and pointing how cute we were at night riding in the gondola, he start to ask me to marry him. Of course at first, I thought I would say yes, but I was in shock so, I kept repeating "are you kidding " a couple of times. His response was, "would I be kidding if I had a ring in my hand". I sobbed finally realizing this was real and then I said " yes".