Having grown up in the same town of West Islip, NY, Joe and Michelle were destined to cross paths. Their first point of contact would be as teammates on a youth basketball team coached by their fathers, both named John! A longtime friendship would develop over their middle & high-school years and would continue post-college. Over these years, their friendship would ultimately develop into love. While their feelings for each other have evolved over time, they are still best friends in each other's eyes.

Unbeknownst to Michelle, a 2018 holiday vacation to tropical Culebra, Puerto Rico was going to carry some extra special meaning. Michelle's folks, John and Barbara, built a home on the island of Culebra, where the family has been vacationing for 15+ years. The island has certainly become "home" for Michelle and family. After his initial visits to the island, Joe knew that when it came time for a proposal, it was only a matter of when, not where. One of the sandy beaches of Culebra was 100% going to be the setting. Christmas of 2018 arrived with some inclement morning weather, impeding Joe's plan of an afternoon beach proposal. Fortunately when the weather cleared in the early evening, Michelle suggested a trip back to Playa Flamenco for an evening swim before dinner. It was almost too easy! The beach was virtually empty that time of day, giving the moment a very private feel. The couple ventured to a secluded section of the beach called the "shark pen" for their swim. After drying off, Joe got down on one knee and proposed. Michelle said yes! It was the best Christmas gift the couple could have ever asked for.