Our story started long before we ever met, with fortunate circumstances that brought us together. Technically, we met at a local dive bar—The Saint. An eclectic, modest music venue with sticky floors, cheap beers and up-and-coming acts. To put it lightly, it’s not a place you would expect to find love. Our mutual relation to the band that night involved college soccer roommates from William Patterson, around the corner neighbors from Woodbridge, high school best friends and soon-to-be roommates in Asbury Park. It was coincidence, if not fate, that we found ourselves in this 100-capacity dive—together. With a little help from some liquid courage, Vin approached Casey. “You’re the most beautiful woman here,” he said. “Can I have your number?” To be fair, while the bar is traditionally low for beauty standards at The Saint, he meant that Casey was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. Fast forward some months—as we saw each other every weekend—Casey decided she would also move to Asbury Park. After some time had passed and leases were set to expire, we made a big jump and moved in together. Not long thereafter, with a few trips around the world and an adopted kitten, we realized just how rewarding this could all be. We even managed to work from home during the pandemic in our old one-bedroom (yes, one bedroom), one bathroom apartment. That’s love. Now, living exactly four blocks from where we first met, we are engaged. It was a quiet proposal during a beach picnic, in our special area between Asbury Avenue and Ocean Grove. That’s our style. That’s what we like—alone time, with each other. We are family people. For us, family extends to our closest friends. We love and care for those around us. We share the same dreams and aspirations. We love each other—more than anything. These are the principles that have guided us to this point. These are the principles that will guide us in marriage. We look forward to celebrating our love! With you!