It was love at first sight....NOT.

John and Alexa met while both attending a CrossFit gym in Oceanside, NY. The gym was opened by a mutual friend, who brought along John as a coach, and Alexa who was doing the "supportive friend thing" and trying it out. Rumor has it that upon meeting for the first time, John actually told the aforementioned mutual friend that he thought the 16-year-old Alexa was quite "b****y." And while Alexa's mom, Nancy, raved about this coach they called "Pooch," she said, "Pooch, WTF kind of name is that???"

Well, as it is said, timing is truly everything.

Alexa went away to college, well kind-of. After a year of attending the University of Delaware during the week and showing up at CrossFit Jetty in Oceanside, NY every Friday night, she decided to return home to finish off the rest of her schooling. During this time, John and Alexa attended many social outings together such as concerts, comedy shows, weekend BBQs etc. It was during this time that their love-story began and they truly began to get to know one another through seeking out the best and most unique coffee, donut and pizza shoppes within a 100-mile radius, but mostly in Brooklyn.

Over the last 8 years, John and Alexa have grown both as individuals, with John earning his Masters Degree in Special Education and Sports Administration and Alexa a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and together, moving in together in the fall of 2021 in Wantagh, NY.

On August 30th, 2024, John, Alexa and John's brother Anthony and his girlfriend had plans to go out on her beloved boat for a sunset cruise, and hangout on along the shore of Point Lookout. After digging her hands ferociously in the sand to ensure the anchor was secure and the boat was not going to go anywhere for the duration of their evening, Alexa was elated to figure out that it was time for her "sparkly present" to arrive. John got down on one knee in the middle of the boat, one of the most memorable and special places to her (now even more-so), and asked her to spend the rest of their lives together.

Of course, Alexa said YES!!!! to the love of her life and when they got back to the dock, she was further surprised to find both of their families waiting with champagne, flowers and cheers!

Later on, John arranged for the families to celebrate at Insieme Wine, which was the previous location of the gym in Oceanside, where this story all began.

John and Alexa will say "I Do!" to the rest of their lives on November 8th, 2025 at The Piermont, in Babylon, NY.