Melissa met Walter, known as BJ to his friends and family while working together in Purchase, NY. Melissa actually ended up hiring Walter to work in her department and overtime they became very close friends.

When they originally met, Melissa was under the impression that BJ was quiet, didn't have many friends, and was actually the Manager of the Wesleyan basketball team... not a key player. BJ soon moved to the Bronx about 20 minutes from where Melissa was living in New Rochelle. After spending a few months working together, their friendship grew stronger and soon their groups of friends were spending time together outside of the office. One night they decided to go to Brother Jimmy's to watch UConn play Mississippi State in the NCAA Final Four. After a disappointing UConn loss, the group ultimately moved to Don Coqui. After some frozen drinks Melissa and Walter kissed for the first time and the rest is history! After what was a rather lengthy situation-ship - the pair ultimately decided they didn't want to keep denying their feelings for each other. At her parents kitchen island on Long Island, Walter asked Melissa to be his girlfriend. Three months later they moved into their first apartment together in Long Island City, and two years later they bought a home in New Rochelle.

BJ had been telling Melissa for weeks that he had a "very fancy" dinner planned in the city for their 3rd anniversary. There was a slight thought in Melissa's mind that maybe he would propose but as the day progressed, it just didn't seem like that was where the night was headed. On November 4, 2021 they headed into the city and got out of their Uber in the theater district. Immediately, Melissa thought that BJ was taking her to a Broadway show - something she'd been dying to go to for a while. BJ walked Melissa into what appeared to be a hotel entrance and told the front desk that they would be headed to the terrace for dinner. They were escorted into an elevator and taken to the Penthouse floor where a path of flowers led to a large heart and a saxophone player started playing, "This is Why I Love You," a song Melissa always wanted played at their wedding. After 10 minutes of an ugly cry, Melissa said YES and they enjoyed a private dinner together. Those that saw the video, get it.