Jack and Rachel both attended Rutgers University and at one point lived 2 houses away from each other. Ironically, this isn't where they met (although they likely hit up Olde Queens together at the same time). Their paths eventually crossed through mutual friends (shoutout to Monica Galasso and Chris Burrows), where Jack claims that Rachel caught his eye with her bright pink cast on her broken arm. Soon after, the couple hit it off through multiple encounters and quickly got to know each other through NYC/NJ adventures. After many successful sushi dates and realizing how much they loved to spend time together, they started a serious relationship and the rest was history! Eventually, the couple quarantined together at the Yaney’s in Bridgewater during COVID, where they experienced living together for the first time, and where Jack really got to know Rachel’s family well - cue the late night swims, family dinners and Jack’s favorite place, Chimney Rock. Rachel and Jack realized that after successfully living together WITH Rachel’s parents, they knew they were ready to move into their first apartment together in the West Village, where the couple had Johns of Bleecker, Joe’s Shanghai soup dumplings, Via Carota and Anton’s on a monthly rotation. It was on 26 Grove Street where Rachel and Jack started to build a life together. The couple decided it was time for their next chapter and moved down to Monmouth Beach, where they currently reside and get to breathe in the sea air daily, embrace the beach year round, witness breathtaking, colorful sunsets, and be closer to family. Through the years, Rachel and Jack realized how well their interests and values aligned. They have learned how to grow together, support each other, cheer each other on, laugh together, travel, live an active lifestyle, strive to be better and enjoy the little moments of life together, becoming a great team. Through these moments over time, they knew they were ready for the next step…

On a sunny Friday afternoon in May, Jack had asked Rachel to take a break from work to go see the fox pups that were living in the dunes on the beach. Rachel, completely distracted by work, gladly agreed without any skepticism, as beach walks are a daily routine item. Dressed in her go-to athleisure outfit, the couple made their way to the beach entrance when Rachel made a comment on how sweaty Jack’s hands were. They took a few steps onto the beach and next thing you know, Jack pulls out a jewelry box and got down on one knee. Rachel, in complete shock and disbelief, looked back to see Michael McKenna, Jack’s cousin who is a professional photographer, snapping photos. With a few shouts, tears of joy, and maybe some profanity, Rachel said yes and they've been celebrating ever since!