We Are Getting Married

Heather and JR's love story began one fateful weekend at Syracuse University in 2014. As the anticipation of Thanksgiving break filled the air, they found themselves at Lucy's bar on Marshall Street. With an almost empty bar, it was the perfect setting for their encounter. JR, finding Heather across the bar, bravely approached her and introduced himself. Instantly, their connection sparked, and they soon realized they shared numerous common interests. Both being ice hockey players for Syracuse University, fans of New England sports, and surprisingly terrible at pool. That night Heather had the opportunity to meet JR's childhood friends, DV, Matt, and Derick, who had come to the bar that night to support JR's game at The Dome on campus. Little did they know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey, as these friends would become an integral part of Heather and JR’s story. After Thanksgiving break, their hangouts didn't cease. Finding moments to spend time together between school, hockey, and friends. The following summer presented new opportunities, with Heather attending summer school at UCONN and JR embarking on an internship at Boston Scientific. Still, they committed to seeing each other throughout the summer, no matter the distance. Heather would drive from Naugatuck, Connecticut to Gardner, Massachusetts every Friday after school to spend the weekend with JR. These weekends were spent going into Boston to crash on his sister Brittney’s futon, Red Sox games, floating around in Dunn’s Pond, playing washer toss, and creating cherished memories together. When the summer drew to a close they returned to Syracuse University for JR's senior year and Heather's Junior year and continued to spend time together whenever possible. On April 21st, 2016, they decided to officially start dating. However, their journey wasn't without its challenges. Heather had another year at Syracuse University while JR stepped into the post-college working world in Boston. Undeterred, they faced the distance head-on, knowing that if they could conquer nine months apart, they could overcome anything. Heather and JR crushed long distance and in the Spring of 2017, Heather graduated from Syracuse and shortly after moved to Boston with her sister, Jessica, and high school teammate, Madi. Moving to Boston allowed Heather an opportunity to pursue her dreams of playing for the Boston Pride, a professional women's ice hockey team. JR was her biggest fan and cheered her on at every home game at Warrior Arena. In May 2018, an opportunity arose for JR in Los Angeles, California, and he asked Heather to embark on this new adventure together. Leaving behind their families, they embraced the sunny skies and vibrant energy of Southern California. Exploring Venice Beach on their beach cruisers, playing pop tennis, and taking their Mustang Convertible for coastal drives. Their initial chapter in Santa Monica paved the way for their subsequent move to Redlands, California, in 2020. Embracing the idyllic surroundings, they welcomed a new addition to their family: Teddy, their beloved Goldendoodle. Today, they call Temecula, California their home. Their weekends are filled with beach trips in their Jeep Wrangler, paddle boarding, roller and ice hockey, and wine tasting. On Friday, April 1st, 2022 JR took Heather to Centennial Park on Coronado Island and asked her to marry him while overlooking the San Diego skyline. San Diego has become a very special place for Heather and JR, which is why all who are reading this are invited to watch as they say 'I DO' on June 8th, 2024 in San Diego, CA.