Rewinding back to September 1997: Veronica, by no choice of her own, gets moved from one Catholic school (OLL) to another Catholic school the next town over (OLP). Ryan is already a well established 6th grader at this school. While they very likely cross paths over the next 3 years, both are unsure if they ever really had a conversation while attending school together. Fast forwarding to October 13, 2021 (a Wednesday): After being on and off the dating apps for a few years, Veronica is back to swiping on Bumble. Ryan, fresh out of a relationship and back to living on Long Island, is also swiping on the same app. Veronica recognizes him immediately from elementary school and swipes right. They match. Because women have to make the first move, Veronica opens with a simple “Hey Ryan, I’ve got a question for ya..” After some back and forth conversation on the app and confirming that they did in fact recognize each other, they set up a tentative date for the following Tuesday. However, following a fun day in the city with her friends and LOTS of drinks later, they decide to move up their date and spontaneously meet up that night instead, October 16th. The first date spot of choice: Brixx and Barley in Long Beach. Despite being a little hazy on the details on Veronica’s end thanks to the day’s activities with the “Wives”, the first date goes well (just ask Ryan, he remembers a bit more lol), and they keep their originally scheduled date for that Tuesday. More dates and hang outs at his wine shop solidify that they like each other. That like quickly moves to love, and the rest is history. Fast forwarding one last time to January 31, 2024 (again, a Wednesday): Veronica and Ryan have just filed for Domestic Partnership so Ryan can reap the benefits of Veronica’s great health insurance. They celebrate by going to breakfast at Toast in Long Beach. Following breakfast, they go back home so that Veronica can pack up her Christmas decorations to bring to Malverne, while Ryan gets ready to go to work.. or so she thought. While writing their monthly maintenance check, Ryan hugs Veronica from behind and opens his hands in front her. There was a ring, but Veronica had no idea what she was looking at and just asked, “What is that?” With plenty of reassurance from Ryan that this was THE ring after countless questions of “What?” and “Are you sure?” from Veronica, Ryan asked Veronica to marry him on a random Wednesday, similar to how they first started talking on a random Wednesday in 2021 when Veronica had a question of her own for Ryan. A full circle moment that all leads to a Saturday in July 2025. We cannot wait to continue our story and celebrate our love with all of you!!