How We Met
Rob and I met at The College of New Jersey in 2010, he was a sophomore and I was a junior. We were originally friends for a few months before he finally asked me on a date. From there, we immediately knew this was the real thing. Rob was leaving to study abroad in Paris for four months after we had only been together for two months. Once we made it through those four months, we knew we could make it through anything. We’ve been together almost six years and love traveling the world together. Last year, we finally took the big step to buy a house together on the most beautiful lake.
Visiting Rob in Paris- 2010
Our First Home!
how they asked
Once Rob and I got a house together, we agreed to wait until we felt settled before getting engaged. We had been in the house for almost five months and were planning a trip to Iceland. Since we traveled together so often, I thought he would be proposing on that trip. About a week and a half before we were due to leave, Rob mentioned we should go to a vineyard one last time before the weather got too cold. He showed me a couple of different options and even let me pick the place (even though he knew which one I would be picking and had already made the plans). That weekend, we went to the vineyard and enjoyed a soup and wine pairing. We decided to go for a walk since it was such a nice day out. I was so focused on Iceland, I had no idea what was waiting for me around the corner. As we made our way down the path, I realized there were pictures of us lined on either side of the pathway. Once we turned the corner, there was a beautiful circle with a giant banner saying “Gina Marie Oliva- Will You Marry Me?”, a blown up picture of us, and a beautiful tree swing covered in flowers. Rob got down on one knee when we made it to the middle of the circle and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. I could barely make out any words and tearfully nodded yes.
As we hugged each other, Rob started looking around. Out of the trees pop my cousin and his best friend who were there to photograph it all. I couldn’t be happier to share that moment with two of my favorite people. I then find out my cousin had known for weeks and even went to pick up the ring with Rob. Since she’s my best friend, I can’t explain how much that meant to me. Once our emotions started to settle, I called my parents and best friends. I desperately wanted to see my friends that night, but they were all busy and we planned for brunch the next day. Little did I know these were not the only surprises Rob had in store for me that day. I spent the entire car ride home calling everyone closest to us. When we got home, I was still on the phone with my aunt as we walked through the door. There, standing in our home were all our closest family and friends that I had so desperately wanted to see! Rob had told all the most important people several weeks before to ensure everyone was free to celebrate with us.
My friends felt terrible telling me they were busy that night, but my reaction when I walked through the door made up for it. I don’t know how all of these people managed to keep both the engagement and the surprise party a secret from me, but they did an incredible job. Our house was decorated and full of food and champagne. I floated on Cloud 9 the entire night, unsure how I got so lucky to spend the rest of my life with this incredibly caring and thoughtful man.
Best Day Ever!
