Although Richie and Amy attended the same high school for four years, their journey together didn’t truly begin until their senior year in 2014, when mutual friends introduced them. From that moment, their connection blossomed during double dates filled with excitement at the movies and indulgent ice cream outings. A touching highlight of that year was when Richie, armed with a box of Oreo cookies—Amy’s favorite—asked her to prom. How could she resist?

As graduation approached, the reality of college choices loomed ahead. Each pursued their dreams at different schools, determined to make their love thrive despite the distance. Richie embraced the challenges of playing football at Salve Regina University, while Amy made the effort to visit him often, proving that love can bridge any gap.

By 2019, they graduated with bachelor’s degrees and ventured back into school, ready to conquer new horizons. The sudden onset of COVID-19 brought them back to New Jersey, but during Amy’s final year of physical therapy school in Houston, their long-distance relationship faced a turning point. Richie chose to join her, marking a significant step forward as they embarked on living together for the first time.

Their months together revealed both challenges and growth. Amy learned that Richie’s snoring resembled a lawn mower, while Richie discovered Amy’s unwavering commitment to cleanliness. Through these experiences, they recognized their desire to build a future together, even as Richie’s job in Philadelphia forced them back into a long-distance dynamic. Yet, in August 2024, he returned to New Jersey to propose at his grandparents’ house in Long Beach Island, surrounded by family and love.

Together, Richie and Amy moved into their newly purchased home, excitedly embracing their shared future and the endless possibilities that awaited them.