Every love story has a beginning… and ours started with a photo and a very bold question:

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“Are you looking for a sister-in-law?”

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When Rebecca came across a picture of Rich online, her curiosity (and let’s be honest, his jawline) couldn’t be ignored. One message and a semi-serious joke later, the two were on each other’s radar, and before long, plans were in motion for them to meet. Their first introduction? A conveniently timed ride, with Rich behind the wheel.

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Let’s just say: sparks flew faster than his Corvette ever could.

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As fate (and smooth conversation) would have it, Rich discovered that Rebecca was a photographer. Naturally, he asked if she’d be interested in doing a photo shoot, of his Corvette, of course. A photographer never turns down a good gig, even if that gig never actually happens. But the car wasn’t the only one in need of service. Rebecca’s own ride - her beloved grandpa’s car - needed a mechanic, and wouldn’t you know it, Rich just happened to be one.

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Cue: the perfect “business transaction.”

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But when Rebecca brought the car in and the two locked eyes in the shop, it became clear: this wasn’t just about spark plugs. Something special clicked.Their first date? A cozy dinner at Rich’s apartment, where he whipped up his famous chicken cutlets and caprese salad like a true culinary showoff. The food was excellent, the company even better… but the kitchen chairs? Not so forgiving. Rich, ever the gentleman, didn’t suggest moving to the couch, so the two spent hours chatting with growing numbness in their legs. Love hurts, apparently. But hey, it was worth it. They’ve since made it to the couch, and the chicken cutlets remain undefeated.

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The next chapter of their story was a 12-day road trip down the East Coast - the kind of trip that could make or break a couple. They not only survived, they thrived. Along the way, Rich met Rebecca’s grandparents in North Carolina, and she met his grandma in Florida. They returned with stronger love, deeper tans, and zero flat tires (miraculous, really).

Another major milestone? Gaining the approval of Tortellini, Rebecca’s cat. Not only did Rich pass the test, he might be winning. Tortellini now waits at the stairs for Rich every night like a tiny, furry roommate in love.

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On New Year’s Day, the two kicked off 2025 by moving in together. Since then, they’ve built a life filled with laughter, love, and really great leftovers.

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Then came the proposal. Picture this: they were hosting a costume party later that night (Rebecca would be dressing as a redneck man… we’ll come back to that), but Rich had plans for a more romantic moment beforehand. He suggested lunch at Rebecca’s favorite arboretum on Long Island. Thankfully, Rebecca had done her makeup, despite the impending bandana and jean shorts for the upcoming party.

Rich had secretly hired a photographer to capture the proposal and she was hard to miss, decked out in purple hair and green jumpsuit. Except… he couldn’t find her. In a moment of accidental sabotage, Rebecca led him straight into the lunch spot, just as the photographer was walking out.

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Cue mild panic.

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Thinking fast, Rich convinced her to go back outside, where she finally started putting the pieces together (especially since she’d been not-so-subtly dropping proposal hints for weeks). Through happy tears, Rebecca watched as Rich pulled out a handwritten note, dropped to one knee, and asked the question. The photographer caught it all, and no, Rebecca wasn’t dressed for the costume party just yet!

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And the rest? Well, its still being written, but its already one of our favorite stories.