If you ask Joey:

On the 4th, I always head out to Long Island for my cousin's big firework show, but that year I just didn't want to drive back into Brooklyn on my birthday. I always do that. I wanted to enjoy myself for my birthday weekend and not have to worry about my car. What better place is there then Rockaway Beach?

I made my way to the beach early on the 4th. As you may know, parking just doesn’t exist in the Summer unless you know a friend, of a friend of a friend (well you get it). I had a spot.

So, I get there and everyone is just lounging. Drinks were flowing and the sun was beaming! Really couldn’t have asked for a better day... so I thought!

My whole goal was just to relax on this beautiful day, with some friends and take it all in and begin my birthday weekend.

Nevertheless, after sitting and having a couple cocktails, I couldn’t help but notice the most beautiful girl talking to my friend! I looked over at my 2 buddies (Andy & Soc) and said WHO IS THAT??! I’ll be right back!

And just like that my birthday weekend all of a sudden turned into meeting the love of my life. Her smile, that laugh, those eyes. Where do I begin? I just couldn’t help but demand her to hang out with me, or even let me hang out with her. We just had too hangout that night.

So we did, the ice was broken ever so gently due to mutual friends. And we just melted in each other’s arms like the marshmellows that we were cooking on the open sand pit fire!

Watching fireworks go off like the ones in our hearts and stomachs, holding hands with the cold sand in between our toes. It was just so right.

I asked if she would want to hang out with me the next day on my actual birthday. And yes we texted all night and sent some selfies back and forth. Of course I couldn’t sleep that night. I was just in complete awe of the turn of events.

So, The next day Kate surprised me with a birthday cake. And to be honest for me, this sealed the deal. Peel and lick throw it in the mail! You’re invited to the wedding ! Here we are ! LETS GO! I’m in love with my soul mate !

If you ask Kate:

In the start of Summer 2021, I had made the decision to focus on myself and make a lot of money. I knew that July 4th I was going to end up with a full wallet from selling cocktails on the beach, but I wasn’t expecting to also end the night with a full heart.

After the most profitable 2 hours of my life slinging drinks, I took a walk uptown on the beach to see a friend. However, because of all the beach construction, we walked a few blocks too far (Thank God!)

Serendipity was at play when my friend Erin saw me and called me over to chat.

That was when Joey came into my life. With a very Joey intro, “hey, uh sorry Erin. Yeah, you know, I just want to introduce myself to your friend. I’m Joey. You hanging out? It’s my birthday tomorrow.”

First thoughts, “hot, italian, nerdy, crucifix necklace, no kate no! Focus on money”

My response, “It’s July 4th! I have plans/parties! Happy birthday though!”

It was true, I had plans, but later that evening Erin urged me to come and spend just 10 minutes with him to see if there was a spark between us. She promised me he was a great guy with a great family. I didn’t have much to lose so I decided to seize the opportunity, intrigued by the possibility of something more.

As soon as I saw him, he told me that I was the best birthday gift ever. We watched the fireworks, made smores, and made plans to hang out the next day for his birthday.

It wasn’t hard to fall in love with Joey. His passion for life, good-hearted nature, ability to talk about the hard things, and his knack for making me burst out in laughter is what got me to fall head over flip flops.