We were both born and raised in New Jersey - living not all that far apart - and yet it took relocating to Virginia for us to find each other. We met on a dating app at the start of a pandemic when the world went into lockdown, not exactly the picture of the right place and the right time, but for us it was exactly right. We found laughter and love during such a hard time, and for that we are the lucky ones. Due to the pandemic, we embraced virtual dating for the first few weeks until meeting up in person...and we've been by each other's sides ever since. From a 5-hour first date via facetime to buying our first home, there have been countless puzzles completed, board games played, vacations traveled, friends made, family gained, and memories made in between.

There are few scenarios that I, always the type-A planner, don't see coming. It's difficult to surprise someone who started planning her wedding since the first date (just in case - doesn't hurt to be prepared!) But with some sneaky help from our parents, Dale planned the perfect surprise proposal in paradise. We were on vacation in Marco Island, Florida with my parents and all I wanted was to take a "nice picture in nice clothes with a nice view." We decided on Tuesday evening at a beautiful spot at the resort before dinner. Naturally rain popped up in the forecast for Tuesday and in a complete role reversal, Dale was sweating all day checking the weather radar and I was cool as a cucumber suggesting we just go with the flow. Call it fate or some help from our loved ones who have passed, but there was nothing but sunshine the entire day. So we meet my parents outside and after a few nice pictures my mom says, "do a different pose!" Totally confused, I turned away to fix my hair and when I turned back, Dale was down on his knee holding an open ring box...upside down. Immediate shock. Immediate happy tears. But I was still able to signal to Dale to flip the ring box over ;) It was an incredible surprise topped off with the surprise arrival of Dale's parents to make the most perfect proposal...not even I could have imagined it better :) On an extra special note, my engagement ring features my grandma's (nonna) diamond that Dale had reset. I was very close with my nonna and always wished Dale and her could have met each other. Even though she is no longer with us, Nonna still found a way to let me know she's watching over me. The night before the engagement, I dreamt of her in my hotel room where she first complained about the mess (classic) and then led me, smiling, to the exact location where Dale would later propose. I didn't know it at the time, but she was giving us her blessing. We hope that one day we too will be happily married for over 60 years.