AJ and Melissa’s story began thanks to a circle of mutual friends, a shared sense of adventure, and one perfectly timed beach trip. Though AJ was living in Alabama and Melissa in Florida, fate (and a few persuasive friends) brought them together for a weekend by the water. Though the two of them had already developed a friendship, it was during that trip that something between them quietly clicked. What started as easy conversation and a natural connection quickly grew into something neither of them could ignore. Despite the distance between them, they continued to grow closer; building a relationship rooted in trust, laughter, and countless miles of long-distance love. They spent the next chapter of their relationship navigating life across state lines—long weekend visits, phone calls, and the quiet ache of distance until the day AJ proposed. Shortly after, Melissa made the move to Alabama, turning the page to a new chapter of life, side by side.

On a beautiful afternoon in Rhode Island, AJ planned a moment that would mark the beginning of their next chapter together. Wanting the day to feel intimate and unforgettable, he chartered a private catamaran for the two of them, complete with a charcuterie board and a bottle of ice-wine, to enjoy a peaceful sail through the waters of Narragansett Bay. As the boat cruised beneath the Newport Bridge, AJ got down on one knee and asked Melissa to marry him. Though Melissa may have suspected something was in the air, nothing could have prepared her for the beauty and sincerity of that moment. It was intimate, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful—a reflection of their love. We’ll always hold that day close to our hearts, and we can’t wait to continue our journey surrounded by the people we love most.