We want to hear about your engagement— submit your story here!

How did you meet? Joseph and I met in August of 2013 outside a local bar at the Jersey Shore, Bar Anticipation. He was walking outside and mentioned to myself and a friend of mine that the line was way too long. We decided then to go back to my friend’s shore house and invited Joe to come with us. After talking at the shore house, we eventually went back to the bar and hung out together all night. The next day Joe asked if I wanted to go out for dinner and drinks. Ever since then we have shared so much together. We have the same sense of humor and enjoy the same movies and shows. We both love to socialize and enjoy life. We both love our families more than anything.

When did you get engaged? 11/19/2016

Where did you get engaged? Spring Lake Beach Gazebo

Your engagement story! I turned 30 on November 17th and was hinting at Joe that I really wanted that special present for my birthday. Little did I know that he was planning for months on popping the question. Joe enlisted my late godmother’s brother, Glenn Preus, who is a jeweler in Hawaii to help find the perfect ring. My mom had asked Joe to reach out to Glenn, because she knew that if it came from him that the ring would have special meaning. My mom, Karen, had just recently gotten a meningioma tumor removed from her brain on October 31st and we were all looking after her at home. Joe and I even moved back in with my parents to help with things such food shopping and driving my mom and dad parents to doctor’s appointments, since neither of them were able to. My dad also has Parkinson’s. During this time, I noticed how much we had to grow up and was so appreciative to Joe for helping with my family. It was very special to my mom that Joe had asked Glenn to design the ring.

November 17th, my 30th birthday came around, and I have to admit I was upset that no ring came-but I had no idea what was in store! Two days later, on November 19th, 2016 Joe asked to go for a walk on the boardwalk. I noticed that day he was stalling by getting coffee and seemed so nervous! I noticed he was texting the whole time. Finally our walk stopped as we reached the perfect gazebo across from the Breaker’s Hotel on the Spring Lake Boardwalk. He gave me both of our coffees to hold and got down on one knee and proposed. I immediately started crying and then looked over at the Breaker’s Hotel. Both of my parents, my Grandma Doris, Joe’s parents and brother and sister were all there watching and crying! We all had lunch afterwards and my mom gave us a cake to celebrate. It was a very memorable occasion for two reasons: sharing this special day with the love of my life and sharing this last special day with my mom who passed away suddenly 4 days later. I will never forget this day and will never forget the happy tears I cried. I can still see everyone standing at the Breaker’s sharing our happy moment.