In September of 2017, Alex and Abbie returned to UConn for their final year of college, not knowing what the year would bring. Abbie moved into the house next door and met the residents of "boys house" at a welcome to the neighborhood day party. Abbie brought along her friend Haley and the group had a great time playing games and getting to know one another. After a few drinks, Alex worked up the courage to ask, "Hey Abbie, do you want to be my beer pong partner?" The day's fun continued through the start of the semester as they ventured to Huskies Nickel Nights, football tailgates, and casual hangouts. As the fall semester continued, Abbie became an honorary member of Boys House as she befriended all the roommates, but especially Alex. After a couple of persistent months of asking, Abbie finally agreed to go on a date with Alex, saying " it's just pizza." They went out for the first time to Willington Pizza in the late fall of 2017, though Abbie will still say it was not a date.

They started dating officially on January 4, 2018, while they were home for winter break and realized how much they enjoyed their time together. They continued to date and mix their friends and family until graduation in May. They fell more in love through each new stage after graduation from Abbie's graduate program, Alex's first real job, moving out on their own, and many more. They also realized their shared love for adventures big and small. They enjoyed local getaways to Block Island and Cape Cod as well as vacations to South Padre Island and Punta Cana. After job changes and new apartments, the two finally decided it was time to move in together.

They lived together in their first, tiny apartment in Stamford and Abbie realized soon after that Alex was the one. She dropped hints for months, and Alex dodged them in his adorable fashion. She tried to get information by asking small questions, like "do you love me tomorrow? next month? forever?" They built a great life together, adopted a perfectly snuggly cat, Peanut, and moved into a new townhouse. After the move, Alex was finally sure too.

In August 2023, the couple joined Alex's family on a trip to Greece. They enjoyed the beaches, the food, and time with family. Abbie requested an excursion to Mount Olympus and Alex took advantage of the day to themselves and planned the proposal. While on the hike, Alex found a hidden spot overlooking the mountain and the sea. In a successful surprise, he pulled out the ring and said “remember how I told you I would never say I love you forever until I fully meant it? Well, I love you forever, so will you marry me?” Abbie was overjoyed and of course full of questions about the whole plan. They enjoyed sharing the news with their friends and family and cannot wait to celebrate the continuation of their forever adventure on their wedding day.