Our love story began because of the towns of Haworth and Harrington Park. We were both on a Facebook NJ Singles site of more than 5,000 at the time we met. I (Domenica a/k/a Nikki) had responded to a post that I was from Harrington Park, NJ, which is an unrecognizable town to 90% of New Jersey folks. Rich sent me a message in July 2021 asking me if I still lived in Harrington Park, which he knew of, as his grandparents lived in Haworth. Before I got his message, I saw a photo had recently he posted of himself in a lime green worn t-shirt. I was shocked at the number of female posts asking him for a date as my initial thought was "wow, that shirt is not his color and not flattering." But I gave him second look because of his beautiful blue eyes and kind smile. His message sat in a hidden messenger folder for 2 weeks until I discovered the folder. When I finally saw it, I was intrigued that someone else knew my town, and thought it was a much better ice breaker than the usual initial guy's message "Hi Beautiful".

After a month of rather intense texts, full of philosophical and deeper thought, and a few phone calls, our first date on August 8th felt so simple and effortless. No nerves at all. We shared a nice kiss at the edge of the park when he dropped me at my car. He called me that evening, telling me that the date reminded him of his favorite Eagles song- Peaceful Easy Feeling. So sweet! But between some bumps in the road, namely Covid, past insecurities and a horrific karaoke video of me singing Peaceful Easy Feeling, we officially started dating in October 2021. It was a trip to New Hope, PA and our car karaoke on the way home, singing badly to Summer Nights from Grease, that sealed the deal.

In the four years prior to our engagment, we have had so many awesome adventures and endured some challenges too. We are both no strangers to challenges and heartache, but we are stronger together for it. As I lived in Dumont, on a parallel street to Rich's parents, for 16 years, we have often laughed and wondered if we had ever crossed paths. We are so different, but awesome together, that we truly believe the timing of our love was meant to be.

After knowing it "was time," I, not so subtly, found a ring I loved and told Rich. Despite my Goldilocks' insistence, Rich patiently waited to receive the "perfect" ring from the jeweler that made my heart swoon. He proposed to me "on top of the world" (at least on American Dream's Ferris Wheel) and it was perfect. The engagement party the next day was a huge surprise and amazingly orchestrated by Rich.

Our love, later in life, has given us an appreciation, admiration, patience, loyalty, and passion that many people never find in love. We love unconditionally!

We look forward to many more adventures and living life to the fullest. We treasure all friends and family reading this and can't want to share our special day with all of you.

Lots of love, Nikki and Rich