They were just kids then.


It was a cold January night and Ariana, stressed with adjusting to college life and her first final exam schedules, just wanted to go to Gino's Pizza across the street from her campus, one of the only places this native Long Islander was familiar with in the borough of Queens. Out of the corner of her right eye, she finally saw him. He was cute in his Facebook photos, sure, but now, flirting with the hot guy from Jersey suddenly felt so real, something more than just an exchange. "Be cool, be cool, Ari. It's just a guy. You swore you weren't gonna get attached anyways cause college dudes are all the same." She approached the front door of the restaurant, feeling his gaze on her from the other side of the glass door. "Oh man, he IS cute, ahhh, he sees me! Okay, act natural, be cute&flirty, cute&flirty...." she said to over and over to herself as, WHAM!!!....she bumped her head on the glass pull door, trying to push it. She prayed he didn't see that. What a relief that 'graceful' mishap was to Robert, who may have looked calm on the exterior, but on the inside, he was already falling in love with Ariana at first glance, nervously excited about what was to come next. He just had to tell her. He couldn't resist the urge to be the funny guy. "I saw that" he giggled and gave her a hug. Although embarrassed, something about their embrace felt right to them both. It was warm, strong, and special.

True to Robert's free spirit, he had no set plan for his first date with his one and only. He called on the help of his friends to recommend where to take his date and how to take her there. These two would later become some of Ariana's favorite people, and the first two people to see the effects of Robert and Ariana's irreplaceable, loving spark together after just ONE DATE! They enjoyed long, interesting talks and a wonderful meal of Seafood Gumbo (for Ari. She didn't finish haha) and Steak (for Rob. He definitely finished his food) at Bourbon Street in Bayside, Queens.

Rob and Ari lost track of time, and it was clear they didn't want the most magical night of their lives to end. They spent over 5 hours talking about life, their beliefs, morals, their favorite subjects, religion, silly mistakes, heartbreaks, dreams, literally ANYTHING you could think about. They had this strange feeling as if they've known each other their entire lives. They spent so much time getting to truly understand the other soul that night, but all along, the more they learned about the other, the more obvious it became that they already were one in harmony and destined together.

After just one date, Rob and Ari knew. This magical first date would have gone on forever, if Robert did not have to muster his way back to USMMA in Kings Point on the north shore of Long Island, planning the next time he'd see his soulmate again. His roommates watched him climb his ladder up to his bunk, smiling ear to ear and glowing in a way they couldn't help but comment about.

All that Rob and Ari could say was, they found the one, the one their soul was looking for. The next date they had, the words "I love you" embodied every action they took together, from silly snap-chat contests to bouquets and chocolates for a dance team half-time show. It was only the third date, their first full weekend together, when they finally said these magical words to each other that they had felt all along.




The rest is a Tale as Old as Time, and we are so excited to have you share in our Happily Ever After!

#happiLENTOeverafter

"And in years to come we'll reminisce. How we came to love. And grew and grew love. Since first we knew love through true love's kiss"- Disney's Enchanted

Rob had it all figured out. He even secretly called Ari's job and made sure she was off the schedule for that weekend. Plane tickets, check. Hotel, check. Cover Story that they were visiting his parents and that he wanted to surprise reward her with a stress free weekend? Check.

To tell the Proposal Story, you have to know that it was an entire weekend event, so here's the scoop from the beginning. Rob excitedly shows Ari that everything is taken care of and that the next day they would be flying to Orlando to visit his parents. Friday around 1 pm, Rob and Ari and their little pup Kailani (Kai) sit down with some doggy food, airport Chinese food and a beer and a full pour of white wine, just waiting for the plane. Ari is so excited, she can hardly take it. She loves spontaneity and adventure, and Rob loves to make Ari happy. Little did she know, the bubbles in her tummy she felt while awaiting her flight wouldn't be the most magical moment of that entire weekend.

Rob and Ari were greeted at the Orlando airport by the loving and welcoming vibes of Big Rob and Maureen, who could not wait to see them. Everyone knew what was to go down that weekend, except for Ari, and she still cannot believe how she did not suspect a thing. The four went out to Outback Steakhouse, caught up, enjoyed each other's company, and then continued the night by checking in to Rob and Ari's hotel room in the JW Marriott. (You would think she would have caught on by now!) They enjoyed a swim in the lazy river, took in the views of this gorgeous resort, took some family photos, and then said their good-nights as mom&dad went on their way back to their own place.

The next morning, Rob and Ari took the Yoga class at the resort gym, and enjoyed a cup of Starbucks Iced coffee together with some bodega breakfast sandwiches. Ari just couldn't stop asking what they were gonna do the rest of the day, and Rob wouldn't tell her! He said it was a surprise. They hopped on a shuttle, and before she knew it, they were in DISNEY WORLD! The Most Magical Place on Earth!

Ari could barely hold in her excitement. She bought herself a pair of Minnie Ears with a fairy veil attached, and the couple went on their way to ride all of the princess rides, take lots of kissy pictures by the Magic Kingdom Castle, and eat disney nuggets. The last ride Ari picked was the Little Mermaid Grotto ride, and the last ride Rob picked that ended the night was the Space Invaders Toy Story Shooting game where he completely beat Ari's score by a landslide! The sun was setting, and Rob grew more and more anxious to get back to the hotel. Ari, not understanding why, begged to stay, because Disney was her absolute favorite place in the entire world! But, they got in an uber and headed back to the resort.

After a jump in the resort lazy river, a shower, blowdry, and makeup, Ari slipped into her favorite NY&Co Sunset Flower Dress and tan heels, as Rob told her they were going somewhere fancy for dinner. Ari noticed as Rob grew increasingly more anxious, but with a twist of excitement and energy. She could not tell what was going on with him. One moment, he told her to run downstairs with him because they were running late, and the next, he asked her to join him for a drink at the hotel bar. Confused, she ordered a Strawberry Mint Mojito, unknowingly the last drink she would have before promising to spend forever with her one and only. She saw a silhouette of a box? A Wallet? SOMETHING was in Rob's pocket, as he nervously twitched in his seat and sipped his drink. She convinced herself it wasn't anything, and that she was overthinking.

Finally, the uber arrived, and Rob took a picture of Ari as they got into the car. They drove in the dark for what seemed like a lifetime. She had no idea where they were going. They flew past the Magic Kingdom sign. Were they heading back to Disney World? Wasn't the park closed??

The driver rolled them up to Disney's Grand Floridian. What were they doing here? It was all so luxurious and elegant on the inside, Ari felt like a princess walking through the halls. Rob and Ari noticed it was raining outside, so Rob bought them two Mickey umbrellas from the woman at the gift shop, and kindly asked her where the marina was. Rob and Ari, hand in hand, walked through the lobby, back outside, and down to the marina of the hotel. The entire time, Ari felt Rob's hand shaking. What was he so nervous about? She didn't mind a dinner cruise with a little rain.

They were greeted by a co-captain and the captain of the boat, and they all boarded. Ari quickly realized it was just the two of them and the co-captains, and she was so thankful and excited for a romantic dinner for two under the stars. They rode the boat through the lake right up to the Magic Kingdom's Castle, all along, getting a tour guide and some tips from the Captain.

The rain stopped, and the magical fireworks show began lighting up the night sky above the castle! Ari's favorite Disney songs started playing, and she happily sang along. Rob cleared his throat and said, "Hey babe, let's get up and take a picture together". So they got up, he burst out "Wow! Look at that one!" and pointed to the night sky to distract Ari. She turned back around, and there her Prince Charming was, down on one knee. A flash went off, and Ari finally realized that the 'Co-Captain' was a professional photographer all along!! All Rob got out was "Ari", before she started crying and shouting "Oh my God!" over and over again. He reminded her of how much he loved her, and asked if she would spend eternity with him. She hugged him tight, not believing what she was experiencing! He asked "...So uh, is that a yes?" And she said "Oh right! YES!!!!!" And let him slide the ring on her left finger before he leaned in, grabbed her tight, and kissed her. The photographer went wild taking as many photos of the two of them kissing and continuing to watch the fireworks.

On the way back to the marina, Ari called some of her family and friends, who already knew about the proposal plan. When they came ashore, two Disney employees excitedly handed Rob and Ari Bride&Groom Mickey&Minnie ears while shouting their Congratulations, and the photographer held a photoshoot for the couple around the grounds of the Grand Floridian. Once they finished with the photos, Rob and Ari continued making their phone calls, exchanging kisses, and gazing in awe at the bride-to-be's beautiful ring. They returned to the JW Marriott for some congratulatory champagne on the house, and shared a bowl of mac & cheese while they talked with their pup Kai about how magical this night has been.

The next morning, they had an amazing brunch buffet at the hotel's restaurant, shared some quality time at the pool, and then headed back home to start planning the rest of time together.

This was the magical start to #HappiLentoEverAfter