Justin and Gianna met in the late Summer of 2019. Justin saw Gianna's Italian passion through the Hinge app and immediately wanted to connect. They decided to meet at Tria Taproom in Philadelphia for a first date, and the rest is history! Justin claims that "Gianna walked in and... (snaps) that was it! I just knew." That night, they chatted about Gianna's recent return from Italy, their Catholic Italian family values, their love of music, and more. Justin texted his roommate later that evening, "I think I found the one". They have been inseparable ever since. About a month later, Gianna was introduced to Justin's parents the same morning she first saw him row at a race. Once she met the Gentile's, she knew he was her forever. She met his extended family soon after that and fell in love with all of them. Justin met the Silvi's-- and some of the extended family-- at a large Eagles tailgate in September (Gianna struggled to hide his Cowboys fandom). In the months that followed, they introduced each other to friends and family friends, attended philanthropy galas (Gianna has a love of service) and other events, and grew more in love. Spending weekends at Gianna's tailgates or Justin's races, family and friends have seen their relationship bloom. They spent many weekends at Ott's Tavern in Voorhees, near Gianna's first home, discussing dreams for the future that included each other.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Justin spent weeks with Gianna in Voorhees helping her recover from "Covid Toes". Justin talked about his parents house in Sea Isle, his love of Kix McNutley's Bar, and neighbors that became family in the early months of their relationship but Gianna didn't get to experience any of those items during the Fall and Winter seasons. Working remotely, they packed up and headed to the Gentile's house in Sea Isle to relax between the beach and the pool. Once the chaos and shutdowns hit Philadelphia in May, they stayed down the shore with Justin's roommate, Rob, for most of the Summer. Gianna and Justin went to Positano Coast in Philadelphia for Valentine's Day dinner in 2020. That night, Gianna casually asked Justin what he wanted his 30th birthday to look like. Knowing how much he loved Sea Isle and Bruce, Gianna planned a major outdoor surprise party for his family and friends. The biggest surprise of his life came the morning of Friday, July 17th, on his birthday, when Bruce Springsteen called Justin's cell phone to wish him a Happy Birthday. The 1 minute, 19 second phone call was recorded and replayed hundreds of times since that day. Justin was shocked! The rest of the day was centered around Bruce, Monsignor Bonner (his alma mater), Saint Joseph's University, and Sea Isle City.

After weeks of discussing her love of dogs with Justin, he gifted her one in October of 2020 and named her Addie. She is their mixed breed sweetheart from the south and has brought so much love and happiness into their lives. Ironically, Gianna picked out Addie from the shelter, but Addie seems to love Justin a bit more-- and has him wrapped around her paws. Seeing Justin's love for Addie has made Gianna love him even more. After all, she wanted the dog! Gianna and Justin have spent time with her at dog parks, playing with friends at Camp Bow Wow or around town, or just hanging out on the couch (Justin and Addie's favorite thing to do).

When Justin and Gianna discussed living together at Gianna's condo in Voorhees, Gianna quickly started to prepare the small space for the both of them. It turns out they quickly realized-- before he moved in-- that the space just wasn't going to work. At the time, the market was so hot that they were nervous they wouldn't find anything. In a matter of a few days, Gianna arrived early to a showing (quite a miracle) in nearby Marlton and knew immediately that was the perfect first house. Gianna fell in love with the owners and the entire property, and so did Justin. It was meant to be! Fortunately, the housing market was so hot that Gianna sold her condo quickly. The months of April-June were so busy for them, but for such exciting reasons! They purchased and moved into their first home together in late June. Gianna spent most of her "teacher summer" free time decorating, organizing, and painting the house amidst the many summer events happening. Nearly a month later, after Justin's birthday weekend, Gianna was preparing for a big Gentile family weekend at the shore with both of Justin's brothers. On Saturday July 31st, the couple woke up to a very awake Addie around 6:30 AM and Justin convinced Gianna she wasn't too tired for the typical morning family walk on the beach. What Gianna thought was a usual morning walk ended up being far from it. They walked on the beach, headed towards the water, and she turned around to Justin on his knee proposing with Addie at his side. She was shocked and yet over the moon happy. The rest of the day was a celebration surrounded by family and friends on both sides. In typical Gianna style, the wedding planning began shortly after!