It all started in 2018, when I traded the hustle & bustle of NJ for the unfamiliar charm of VA. I started as HR at the Marriott in Newport News, and Richie was already there, working nights in the engineering department. For a while, we were just HR & employee, keeping things strictly professional...well, mostly. Now, if you know me, you know I’ve got this little thing with flirty eyes, slick comebacks, & an inviting charm that just can’t help but make an impression. Richie, on the other hand, was the quiet type, but every now and then, he’d sneak in a line like, “Hi, pretty lady,” or “How’s a girl like you not have a boyfriend?” And of course, I couldn’t resist shooting back with a mischievous, “Who said I don’t?” Being a Jersey girl at heart, Virginia just wasn’t cutting it for me, so I’d escape back north almost every weekend. If our paths crossed as I was running out and he was just coming in, Richie couldn’t help but tease, “What’s in Jersey that’s so important?” with that playful grin of his. I’d roll my eyes and brush him off, but deep down, I couldn’t help but enjoy our little banter. During year 1 at the Marriott, I hosted a 20’s themed party where Richie caught my eye, showing up in suspenders I’d suggested (to stay in theme ofcourse), and let me tell you, he looked damn good in them! After the party, a group of employees headed to a local bar, and despite their persistance and my initial reluctance, I joined them. You know how it goes—liquid courage starts flowing, & suddenly, everyone’s feeling bolder. Richie, who had been mostly reserved up until then, decided to get brave. He bought me a tequila shot (my fav) and inched closer. His friend hinted that Richie had a thing for me, but I laughed it off. Next thing I knew, he was trying (and failing hilariously) to dance on me.When it was time to leave, he wanted to go with me, but I told him to get home safe. He yelled, “I’ll call you!” And you know what? He did! After that night, whenever I saw him in the halls, he’d never mention the party or his antics, which always made me chuckle because it was clear I’d rattled him a bit. There was a spark between us after that, but we kept it professional until 2020, when the Marriott was no longer a conflict of interest because Richie left the property. One random night, he sent me a text saying he’d be in my area & asked if I wanted to grab a drink. I stared at the screen, half-smirking and half-rolling my eyes, thinking, "Well, well, well... look who’s persistent." Dating Richie was filled with so much fun & a lot of uncertainty at times (IYKYK), and though there was a tug-of-war going on (inside story!), we managed to create so many memories. From traveling to NYC, FL, and PR for my mom’s 70th birthday to the times we’d go over to his mom’s house to play cards—because we ALL love a good card game—it was always a blast. We loved eating out, enjoying the simple things, & just soaking up every moment together. Though our son was conceived with so much love, and he’s been the greatest gift to our lives. I’ll never forget the day I surprised him with the news that I was expecting; the look on his face was priceless—shock, joy, and maybe a little panic mixed in there. In Novemeber 2021 came the delivery room drama— Richie was stuck in an endless loop of turning the fan on & off because the pain had me going from hot flashes to chills in seconds. He was exhausted, but he never missed a beat, making sure I was okay every step of the way & we welcomed our beautiful son, Cristiano, Richie also embraced his role as a loving bonus dad to Jr. too. After all our adventures, Richie popped the question in May 2023. It was just like us—unexpected, funny & of course, I said yes. Now, here we are, planning a wedding for mid-2025. Oh, and because we love a little chaos, we bought our first home together in June 2024, right in the thick of wedding planning. So, wish us luck, because this rollercoaster of love and life is only just beginning!