We're getting married!

They grew up in the same small hometown of Metuchen, New Jersey. While they were never in the same homeroom (thanks to alphabetical order), switching classes for math and reading was a big deal—it finally gave them the chance to see each other during the school day. Alex thought Joe was funny and charismatic and loved that he could always make her laugh. Joe thought Alex was beautiful and made it his mission to be around her whenever possible. That included looking up Alex’s number in the school directory and calling from a friend’s house—too nervous to ask, “Is Alex home?” but brave enough to hope she’d answer. Growing up, they always had a bit of a thing for one another and even attended senior year winter dance and prom together. After high school, life took them in different directions, with college in different states and new experiences ahead. Over the years, they grew up, stayed connected, and through all their separate adventures, somehow always found their way back to one another. Friends and family often describe them as best friends, but Joe and Alex know it’s more than that. They genuinely feel like soul mates—constantly complementing each other and showing that opposites really do attract in the best way. Where one has a weakness, the other brings a strength, and together they make a pretty great team. Joe proposed on December 23, 2023, at Riverview-Fisk Park near their first apartment. Even though they picked out the ring together, Joe convinced Alex it wouldn’t be ready until after the new year (or her birthday), so she was completely shocked. When he asked, “Will you marry me?” Alex laughed and said, “What the heck?”—so surprised he had to ask again to make sure the answer was yes. It was… followed by three hours of uncontrollable laughter. After knowing each other for most of their lives, they’re excited to keep choosing each other, laughing often, and building a life together. They can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you.