We’re getting married in paradise!

It was 2019 and Trish was working at a behavioral health center in Caldwell, New Jersey. During this time, Trish was in grad school working on obtaining her Masters in Social Work. Ray, a PMT instructor was visiting Trish’s work to conduct a behavioral health training. As Trish was joking around with her coworkers, Ray was going around with a silly, yet endearing ice breaker. He asked the group to share what they were listening to on their way to work. Trish, of course listed “Yeah” by Usher. As the training went on, Trish noticed Rays enthusiasm and passion while teaching the group. This caused a spark of interest for Trish, and she was curious about Ray. The training came to an end and Ray had left. Would Trish ever see Ray again, she wondered? At this point it’s very important to mention that Trish had no idea where Ray lived. While Trish gossiped with her coworkers about the kind enthusiastic trainer, she proceeded to peruse Facebook and she found him! She sent him a message. She did not receive a response for hours. But after patiently waiting, Trish received a very lengthy and very fun loving, message with words, such as “fantastical.” Trish and Ray continued to talk throughout the week. Trish then found out that Ray lived in Connecticut. She was familiar with Connecticut after living there for four years during college. Although the distance was a little disappointing, Trish was not looking for anything serious. One weekend, Trish was visiting one of her best friends Kristen, who was living in Connecticut. She messaged Ray again trying to hint that she was in the area. Needless to say, he did not get the hint. After a long weekend Trish finally decided to just bluntly say “I am in Connecticut!” Well Ray finally got the hint and before you knew it, he was on his way to visit Trish at Kristen’s apartment. They had a great time talking and getting to know each other. Trish shared about her experiences in grad school while Ray shared about the most important person in his life, his daughter Veronica. Weeks went on and the two continue to talk daily. Ray would come to New Jersey and visit Trish on the weekends and before you knew it, Trish was on her way to Connecticut to visit Ray. During this time, three months had gone by and Trish was still resistant to making it official with Ray. She really liked him, but was taking her sweet time to commit. After the three months, Trish finally was honest with her feelings and Trish and Ray were a couple. During this time it was now 2020. Months went on and the pandemic was here. Trish was still traveling from New Jersey to Connecticut to visit Ray. At this time, Trish was living with her mom in New Jersey. Trish’s mom was working on the Covid floor at the hospital. As the world was panicking, the decision for Trish to stay in Connecticut one weekend was made. This weekend became months. Trish was introduced to Ray’s daughter Veronica. She was eight years old, speaking in fake languages, putting on dance performances and helping Trish cook. This is when Trish realized she was hooked. When Trish saw Ray as a father, she fell in love all over again. Not a night went by that they weren’t playing board games, doing spa nights, or watching movies. They were slowly becoming a little family. Years went by and Trish and Ray fell more and more in love. Their family continues to grow when they added their beautiful puppy, Dogoo. Trish and Ray never go a day without laughing and realizing how happy they make each other. Fast forward to March 2024 and Trish and Ray are traveling Paris. While Ray gets down on one knee next to the Eiffel Tower and whispers, “The Eiffel Tower is not the only thing sparkling tonight” he pulls out a ring and the two are finally engaged. They are thrilled to be preparing for their wedding and look forward to celebrating with their friends and families in Costa Rica.