In January of 2018, thanks to our mutual friend Julie, we were introduced. Julie sent Rachael's contact information to Josh while he was in Atlanta for business. A prompt 3 months later, Josh reached out to Rachael, on Friday the 13th, at noon... Rachael was away herself at that time, so after a few days more the two finally connected. The initial phone call led to a first date, and on what turned out to be a 6 hour drive to Massachusetts for Josh, Rachael kept him company over the phone the entire duration of the ride, and a good part of the return trip too. During these conversations, both Josh and Rachael realized that there might be something there...

The summer was a busy one, with 40th birthday parties , trips, family visits and planning/decorating for the annual Ocean City Nights in Venice boat parade falling in between. While Josh had originally planned to recreate their initial bike ride to the Longport point to propose, the reality of not having a free day to do that before traveling to Spain for Josh's oldest friends birthday, and holding a 40th birthday party of his own, was looming.

So, after attending the Captain's safety meeting for the Nights in Venice event, on Friday the 12th of July, under the guise of needing to decorate the Salty Fish for the Rocky themed entry before the sun set for the night, Josh proposed on the bow of the boat. Fortunately, Rachael not only said yes, but allowed Josh to move her away from the rail and avoid any Instagram worthy dropped the ring into the back bay waters moment. After enjoying a perfect bay sunset, Josh and Rachael were joined by their parents on the Salty Fish, and celebrated with friends at a nearby restaurant later that evening.