Gabriella and Mike's story began in September of 2012 as two nervous freshmen taking their first bus ride to Paul VI High School. Gabriella and Mike had heard about one another from Gabriella's childhood best friend Matteo and her brother Nick, but had not had the pleasure to meet until Mike poked his head into Gabriella's seat and eagerly asked "Are you Nick Brown's sister?"

As freshmen, their friendship evolved into something deeper, and they leaped into a romantic relationship. Life took them on different paths for the summer, but they reunited sophomore year when Mike asked Gabriella to the homecoming dance. Shortly after, they became "official" in December of 2013 and have been by each other's side ever since.

High school was just the beginning. Together, they navigated through many adventures: the challenges of college, sushi dates, countless Cape May beach trips, and traveling to some of their favorite places- Disney, Rhode Island, New York, Shenandoah National Park, and St. Thomas. Through it all, their love grew deeper, and the future they continuously talked about was unfolding before their eyes.

On April 30th, 2023, Gabriella and Mike were spending the last day of one of their many Disney trips with a stroll on the Polynesian Resort beach when Mike asked her to marry him. A perfect proposal that encapsulated an unforgettable 10 years together.