Although the official story starts on August 1, 2011, the real story begins earlier. Tyler met Stephanie at the good old A&P where they both worked hard to make sure the shelves were fully stocked and the customers always left with smiles. Tyler had already been there for a few years when Stephanie first started. When Tyler and Stephanie met, they became best friends fast, spending their ten minute breaks together, “sampling” bakery items, and re enacting the “king of the world” scene from Titanic while speeding across the store on a wobbly grocery store U-Boat. They always seemed to find this just a little funnier than their manager did. As time went on, they both knew something was changing. Their bond continued to grow stronger and on August 1, 2011, they became “Facebook official.” What this really means is that, after a fine dinner of fried dumplings, Tyler asked her to be his girlfriend. Through the wonderful 8 years they have spent together so far, countless memories have formed along the way. Tyler went away to college that Fall of 2011, followed by Stephanie a few years later. They always worked hard to keep each other motivated and push each other through the less glamorous side of schoolwork. It was through times like these that their bond grew stronger and the teamwork really became apparent. When they weren’t hitting the books and taking their schoolwork seriously (mostly Stephanie), they enjoyed other activities like going to the gym, learning new recipes or catching up on a Netflix show. Whatever it was, as long as they were together, they were happy. On their ninth anniversary, August 1, 2020, Stephanie and Tyler will make a commitment in front of all the people they love.

Anyone that knows Steph knows her favorite season is summer, so Tyler knew this would be the perfect season to propose. Every year on their anniversary, Tyler takes Stephanie to 90 Acres, but this year, a month before summer began, Tyler took Mr. and Mrs. Reis there to ask for her hand in marriage. Tyler told Stephanie that 90 Acres was booked in August and that they should go in late June instead (Lucky for Tyler, this happened two years prior, making it super believable)! Tyler greeted Stephanie with photos of all the locations that had significance to their relationship: A&P where they met, the Watchung lake where he asked her to prom, Lorianne Road, where he asked her out, all including beautiful love notes attached. Tyler had roses scattered in the park, reading, “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” and, of course, Stephanie said yes without any hesitation!