We’re getting married!

Although we both attended UMass Amherst for undergrad, our paths didn’t cross until senior year. Katie was waitressing at a local favorite, Pasta e Basta, when Richie and a group of friends came in for dinner during the first week of classes. She happened to be their server that night. Among a few familiar faces, there was one she didn’t recognize. Later that same night, fate stepped in. The two ran into each other at Stackers, a nearby bar, and were formally introduced through a mutual friend. A few weeks later, we went on our first date to the Big E, where Richie won Katie a giant stuffed animal. It was the perfect end to a perfect beginning.

After spending our final year of college together, we graduated and set off on our first big adventure before entering the working world, a trip to Belize! From exploring Mayan temples to cave tubing, we made the most of one last getaway before starting our careers!

In 2022, after spending a few years living with friends, we decided it was time to move in together and traded Brighton and the South End for Southie. Two years later, we took the next big step, buying our first home, and Katie officially became a North Shore local. Since settling in Salem in 2024, we’ve loved building our little life here, which brings us to our next story…

After years of talking about adopting a dog, we finally made the trip to Cape Ann Animal Rescue in Gloucester one Sunday in November. That’s where we met our spunky 6-month-old lab mix, who quickly stole our hearts!

For those close to Katie and Richie, they knew it was only a matter of time before they were engaged. That day finally came on May 31st 2025. After about a month of planning and living with a ring hidden in the electronics drawer (Katie never looks there) it was time. What began as an ordinary stroll quickly became extraordinary. With the ocean as their backdrop and Colleen capturing the moment from afar, Richie asked the question that would begin their next chapter together. Katie, caught completely by surprise, fresh from a shower and still in pajamas, said yes. The day was filled with joy! Richie had a nice celebration planned with family and a romantic evening in Marblehead, marking the perfect beginning to the rest of their story.