Justin & Marisa grew up in East Northport, just 0.8 miles apart. It wasn’t until sophomore chemistry class in 2015 that their paths finally crossed. Sitting in the back of the classroom, they passed the time getting to know each other before the bell rang and they went their separate ways. For Justin, the attraction was immediate; he had found the girl of his dreams. Although Marisa enjoyed his company, kindness, and sense of humor, she wasn’t ready for the relationship he envisioned for them. So, he waited. They chose to stay close to home for college, which allowed them to maintain a close friendship. As freshman year went on, they supported each other through tough times and grew into adulthood side by side. Their family and friends watched as their relationship blossomed, often commenting on the kindness and care they showed one another. Everyone felt certain about the love developing between them, though Marisa was still unsure. She didn’t want to start a relationship she wasn’t ready to commit to because she knew how much Justin cared for her, and she never wanted to hurt him. This never deterred Justin; he was convinced that she would be his wife. In fact, he was so certain they would spend their lives together that in 2018, he saved a picture of the dream engagement ring Marisa had designed for fun with her sister. On November 15, 2019, Justin and Marisa shared their first kiss, and began their relationship. Marisa later said it was Justin’s kindness, reliability, and love for her family that convinced her there was no one else she would want to share her life with. In 2024, after nine years of friendship, and five years of partnership, Justin began planning his proposal. To keep it a surprise, the plan had to be elaborate. Justin’s friend Michael handled all communication with the jeweler, while Marisa’s sister Gina helped organize a surprise engagement party, planned for five days after the proposal, from Chicago. Marisa’s boss Barbara was responsible for keeping her out of the house on the special day. Most importantly, no one and the same zip code as Marisa was allowed to mention the proposal. This extra vigilance proved necessary on several occasions, especially when Marisa would unexpectedly borrow Justin’s email or walk into her parents’ house without warning. Despite these close calls, the day arrived, and Marisa was none-the-wiser. On June 18, 2024, armed with roses and the ring, Justin waited for Marisa to walk through the door and answer the most important question: Will you marry me? And of course, she said yes! The celebrations since then have been filled with the same love and joy they’ve shared over the past nine years. This wedding is not the start, but a continuation of their partnership and a life filled with happiness, laughter, and love that they cannot wait to celebrate with you!