In April of 2021, an app brought together the two lives of Derek and Gabrielle. The combination of top-notch chocolate chip cookies and Disney vacation stories was a recipe for instant connections. A month later, Derek and Gabrielle finally met up for their first date at Avery Point. They enjoyed endless conversation over dinner from Paul’s Pasta. While they could have talked for hours on end, the realization that the sun they arrived with had faded to dusk, and the early warm spring temperatures having cooled (not to mention some missed texts from Gabrielle’s best friend wondering why her location showed her in the Thames River), led them to end the evening with the promise to meet again.

This timeless May-day led to many more unforgettable moments at the drive-in, the local Submarine Ball, and countless more dinner dates. Along the way, the time had come for Derek to meet Gabrielle’s friends. They unanimously gave their stamp of approval, but only after much questioning.

Months went by and the two of them realized how happy they made each other. They made their relationship official over dinner that Derek had prepared. It wasn’t long before their relationship progressed to the next level when they inevitably said that they loved each other.

Fast forward through the next year filled with many adventures: a trip to Ohio so Gabrielle could meet Derek’s family, a Tudisca Family tradition of visiting Disney World, and introducing Derek to the multitude of New England county fairs. Over this time, their love for each other only continued to grow. Derek decided it was time. He asked Gabrielle’s parents for their blessing, and they couldn’t have been more elated for someone to join the family as their son-in-law (Derek and Deana had already bought pots & pans together anyways). Over the course of the next 3 months, with the assistance of Gabrielle’s sister (Lexie) and best friend (Jill), Derek picked out the perfect ring and organized a plan.

On the afternoon of October 15th 2022, Derek and Gabrielle took a trip to Avery Point (where it all began) so Lexie could “take photos of the scenery.” The moment had come. Derek took a chance, took a knee and proposed to the love of his life. With a smile, some laughter, and tears in her eyes, Gabrielle said yes. Afterwards, they all met up with Gabrielle’s parents to celebrate this milestone moment over dinner at Paul’s Pasta. The sunset brightened the evening sky, the same way Derek and Gabrielle would brighten the rest of each other’s lives.