Dom and Rachel first met in the fall of 2019 at the University of New Hampshire. Rachel was just beginning her college journey, while Dom, a third-year student, had already established strong friendships and was an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Their paths crossed through Turning Point USA, a conservative club on campus, and while they spent time together occasionally, their connection deepened as time went on.

By the spring of 2020, their friendship grew stronger. They found themselves studying together, taking the same classes, and attending fraternity events. In February, Dom took Rachel to their first Trump rally in Manchester, NH, an unforgettable experience. Not long after, on February 20, 2020, they officially began their relationship.

Their new romance was soon tested when, in March of 2020, the pandemic forced them to return home and complete their semester remotely. Though separated by a two-hour drive, they embraced long distance, with Dom visiting Rachel in New Jersey whenever possible. They spent their time at the Jersey Shore, indulging in ice cream dates and making the most of their moments together. That summer, as Rachel prepared to move into her new apartment for the fall semester, they made a special trip to UNH. Along the way, they visited Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine, a place that soon became a favorite retreat for its breathtaking views and calming atmosphere. They also discovered their shared love for mini-golf, a pastime that quickly became a fiercely competitive tradition between them.

Returning to UNH for the fall semester of 2020, they navigated a new reality of mostly online classes. Rachel, now in her second year, lived just a short walk from Dom’s fraternity house. Their bond deepened as they spent nearly every moment together, growing not just as a couple but as best friends.

As Dom’s graduation approached in the spring of 2021, conversations turned toward the future. With Rachel still in school and Dom preparing to enter the workforce, they faced an important decision: where to build their life together. The answer was clear, New Hampshire, the place where their story had begun. With the support of their families, they found their first home in Rochester, a house Rachel’s mother purchased for them to rent. It was the start of a new and exciting chapter.

Their relationship only flourished from there. Both secured stable jobs and worked diligently to build their future. In December 2021, they welcomed a new member into their little family, a cat named Mamas. Around this time, Dom’s passion for firearms led him to a position at White Birch Armory, where Rachel soon followed, embracing the world of shooting sports herself. Working together in the same company became yet another joy they shared, strengthening their connection even further.

During their time in New Hampshire, Dom grew closer to his sister, Jackie, and both he and Rachel played a meaningful role in her wedding to her husband, Doug. In the weeks following Jackie’s wedding, Dom secretly enlisted her help to plan a surprise proposal. The setting was perfect, a summer beach day followed by a round of mini-golf, one of their favorite traditions. To add a personal touch, Dom suggested they play by their own special rule: before starting, they would count to three and pick a random hole number, agreeing that if either of them made a hole-in-one on that hole, they would win the game instantly. This was a rule they usually reserved for games played alone, so when Dom suggested playing it in Jackie’s presence, Rachel was momentarily puzzled but went along with it.

They settled on hole five. As they played at Captain’s Cove Adventure Golf in Hampton, NH, Rachel playfully teased Dom, determined to distract him from making a perfect shot. But as she turned her attention back to the game, she found Dom down on one knee, a ring box in hand. Shocked into silence, she could hardly believe the moment had arrived. Dom, speechless himself, let the gesture speak for him. With Jackie capturing the moment on video, Rachel joyfully accepted his proposal. That evening, they celebrated with a bottle of champagne gifted by Jackie and a special dinner, toasting to the future ahead.

Over the years, Dom and Rachel have created countless cherished memories, far more than could ever be captured in a single story. Their love has been unwavering, a true partnership built on laughter, shared adventures, and an unbreakable bond. Now, as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, they look forward to all the incredible moments yet to come.

R&D

Wedding Day