Dean and Emily first crossed paths during their freshman year at Monmouth University in the fall of 2017. From then on, they were always in each other’s orbit — mutual friends, quick hellos on the way to class, run-ins at parties, and plenty of shared laughter whenever their paths aligned. Fast forward to senior week, spring 2021: Emily had one mission: reconnect with Dean. The setting? Donovan’s Reef in Sea Bright, NJ. The very next day, Dean texted Emily, “Don’t be a stranger.” Simple words, but they meant everything. From then on, she was never a stranger. Over the years that followed, they supported each other through the highs and lows of graduate school and the transitions of adulthood, building a connection not only with each other but also with their families, friends, and the life they were creating. Together, they’ve traveled near and far, discovering joy in new adventures and even more joy simply being together. Their daily life is filled with little things that mean everything: dancing to live music (or in the kitchen), running errands side by side, making up silly songs, “parallel playing” (Dean gaming while Emily reads), and binge-watching hilariously bad TV shows like Degrassi. In 2023, Dean welcomed Huxley the Cavapoo into his life, and Emily stepped right into her role as honorary dog mom. After a year of “long distance” (45 minutes apart still counts!), they decided it was time to build a home together. In June 2024, Dean, Emily, and Huxley moved to Matawan, NJ, quickly realizing that what they had wasn’t just real — it was forever. A few months later, Dean proposed to Emily at Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, one of their favorite early date spots. After casually mentioning he “forgot to lock the door,” Dean pulled off the ultimate surprise: a celebration back at their apartment with their closest family, friends, and fur baby waiting to toast to their forever. Since the start of their story, new chapters have begun and old ones have ended. Through every change, their love has stayed grounded and strong — a constant they both cherish deeply. They can’t wait to say “I do” and begin this next chapter together.