Bobby and Katie first met in 2010 in the Mahanoy Area Middle School gym and quickly bonded over the same goofy sense of humor. Even though their lives overlapped in many ways, it was always just friendship. After Bobby graduated, life took them in different directions, and they only heard about each other through quick run-ins or mutual friends. In 2021, life brought them back together. After a few missed connections and a perfectly timed message, they ran into each other again on May 21 while Katie was celebrating her 24th birthday at Mountain Valley Golf Course. From the moment they started talking, it felt natural—like picking up where they left off. It was the beginning of something they didn’t see coming… but everyone else probably did.
Katie and Bobby officially started dating on July 22, 2021. Katie was living in Jersey City at the time, and Bobby came to visit her for the first time. They walked to the waterfront overlooking the Hudson River and the NYC skyline, where Bobby asked her to be his girlfriend. Katie, of course, said yes. Shortly after, Katie moved to Hoboken, and Bobby visited often from Orwigsburg, PA. They loved trying new restaurants, taking walks, and exploring the NJ/NYC area together. After a year in Hoboken, Katie moved back home and they grew even closer as they spent more time with each other’s families and friends. They still did all the things they loved—just without the miles between them. Katie didn’t realize then how special that spot in Jersey City would become—the place where everything began.
Katie was away in Florida for her annual sales conference and had no idea what Bobby was planning. On March 9, 2024—the day after she got home—Bobby insisted they meet his aunt and uncle from NYC for lunch. Despite the early start, Katie went along with it (secretly thinking they might be getting a dog). They drove to Jersey City, NJ in the pouring rain, and after lunch, Bobby’s Uncle Ricky suggested a walk to see the Hudson River and skyline—despite the weather. That’s when Bobby stopped her, got down on one knee, and proposed in the exact spot where he had asked her to be his girlfriend. Shocked and emotional, Katie said yes. When they returned to Pennsylvania, the surprises weren’t over. Bobby had arranged for Katie’s family and some of her closest friends to be waiting to celebrate. The house was decorated, the people she loved were there, and the night was perfect.
Bobby and Katie have been together for over four years and live near where they grew up in Schuylkill County, PA, in their home in Lake Wynonah with their dog, Cooper. Katie is in her seventh year with Mars Wrigley working in Sales, and Bobby recently began a new role as a Behavior Interventionist at North Schuylkill School District, where he also coaches varsity basketball. They’re so excited to celebrate with the people they love most and begin their next chapter as husband and wife. They can’t wait to celebrate with everyone on June 20!