It all started the Fall of 2016 when Melanie began college at Montclair State University. Austin was a sophomore at MSU. They met through mutual friends and developed a beautiful friendship. One day in November, Austin asked Melanie if she wanted to watch The Polar Express. Melanie said "yes" and went over to Austin's dorm room. Austin made Melanie a big mug of hot chocolate straight from the microwave with mini marshmallows in it. As soon as the warm mug was handed to Melanie, she knew he was a keeper. After their unofficial first date watching The Polar Express, they became closer and closer. Their first dinner date was at California Pizza Kitchen in Willowbrook Mall. On December 10th, Austin asked Melanie to be his girlfriend. Melanie said yes and the rest is history!

June 8th, 2021. Austin and Melanie went into New York City to watch the Harry Potter Broadway show, The Cursed Child. After they attended the show, they took a walk through Central Park. Austin took Melanie through a secluded woodsy path with beautiful greenery and a scenic view of the stream. They stopped near a big tree and Austin got down on one knee and proposed. Without hesitation, Melanie said yes! They had a beautiful dinner at Tavern on the Green. A few months later, they had a photoshoot in Central Park and took some photos near the proposal spot!