In their words:
Gabby and Gianni met during the second week of their freshman year of college, introduced by a mutual friend. What began as a spark quickly grew into a relationship that would span 6.5 years, countless cities, and every kind of distance imaginable. They navigated medium- and long-distance throughout their undergraduate years at different colleges in Rhode Island, moved back home during the pandemic to Massachusetts and Connecticut, and continued supporting each other through grad school and post-grad life in Michigan and New Jersey.
After years of loving each other across state lines, they were finally ready to start the next chapter together, and they set their hearts on New York City. Gabby, an architectural designer, and Gianni, a financial analyst, both found their careers thriving in the city that never sleeps. When it came time to choose an engagement ring, Gianni knew KDD was the one. The beauty, detail, and thoughtful craftsmanship of the rings stood out, especially the seamless stacking options for wedding bands. As luck would have it, KDD was located just down the street from their apartment on West 36th Street, making it easy for Gianni to sneak in for a ring appointment without Gabby ever suspecting a thing.
Gianni had planned an elaborate surprise proposal during a trip to Fort Lauderdale; but life had other plans. One night, while Gabby was out with their 8-month-old Chihuahua mix, Chili, he slipped out of his harness and disappeared into the streets of Manhattan. Unbeknownst to Gabby, Gianni was forced to cancel the proposal as the search for Chili overlapped with the original date.
For ten agonizing days, they searched relentlessly. Then came the call that changed everything. Chili had been found alive, spotted by a kayaker nearly 100 yards off a pier in the Hudson River, fighting to stay afloat. Though malnourished, he was expected to fully recover. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, Gianni quickly began planning a brand-new proposal.
Two weeks later, over the Fourth of July weekend, Gabby and Gianni traveled to Candlewood Lake to visit friends. Under the guise of taking sunset photos, Gabby’s friends convinced her to dress up. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Gianni stood waiting at the dock. After snapping a few photos, he took Gabby’s hand, dropped to one knee, and asked her to marry him; surrounded by their closest friends, cheering and celebrating. Chili even made a surprise appearance, photobombing Gianni on one knee, creating a moment that was as heartfelt and unforgettable as their journey together.
