Our Happily Ever After

Although Anthony and Amanda started dating in December 2019, their story begins a bit earlier. As a freshman on the University of Delaware Dance Team in 2015, Amanda was welcomed with open arms by her new teammates, including one of her soon-to-be best friends Gianna. It was Gianna who would invite her cousin Anthony to visit her on campus, and that is where he crossed paths with Amanda. Mere blips on the radar of life, they didn’t speak until a night out 4 years later in the summer of 2019. The night started with both Amanda and Anthony acting a bit shy, but once they started talking, a spark was lit that burns strong to this day. After a few months of talking, they made it official on 12-21-19. The first year was a whirlwind, filled with dinner dates, 19 Crimes wine, and watching Anthony’s beloved Jets and Amanda’s beloved Rangers. The happy couple was fortunate to go on several trips to places like Disney and Aruba. Much like the Margaritas in Epcot and the Piña Coladas on Eagle Beach, the good times kept flowing. However, everything changed in November 2020. Anthony decided to pursue a career as a NJ State Trooper which meant 5 months of not seeing one another and only one day of cell phone usage per week. Although this stretch was difficult and daunting, the two managed to make it through with love, support, effort, and 12 hours of FaceTime on Sundays. For those who know Amanda and Anthony, they were not worried for a second as from the very beginning (and to this very day) the pair maintained a long distance relationship. Whether it was driving to Oakland on days off or full weekends in Middletown, Amanda and Anthony always gave full effort and priority to spending time together. After Anthony’s graduation from the academy, the happy couple spent the next 3 years watching TV shows like Power, spending countless hours with a massive group of friends and family, and taking trips to Atlantic City. Even as things got busy with Knicks City Dancer practice, master’s programs, and bouncing around to various state police stations, Amanda and Anthony remained inseparable, constantly making time for each other (although Anthony likely had no problem attending multiple Knicks games per week!) The next major milestone happened on 9-22-23. Anthony planned out the week of a lifetime for the couple. Under the disguise of a surprise birthday gift before their first half marathon, Anthony booked a romantic picnic in Liberty State Park, overlooking the Statue of Liberty and New York City. What happened next changed the course of their lives forever. Anthony pulled out a beautiful diamond ring, and asked Amanda to spend forever together. Amanda and Anthony have everything you could ask for to make a happy marriage: similar interests, strong support systems, and a willingness to go above and beyond to be the best partner possible. While their journey has spanned many miles and many years, their upcoming wedding is merely the beginning. The next milestone is on 8-4-24. See you there!