Q: How did you first meet?
We've known each other for most of our lives through Chez Dance Studio. Paulie's mom, Amy, started teaching me (Gianna) dance when I was 6 years old. A few years later, Paulie's cousin Lucia and I became best friends. After seeing each other a few times a year at dance events, birthday parties, and spending biennial Disney dance trips together with our families, Paulie and I became friends (I had a secret crush on him the whole time though-shhhh).
Then, one Friday night in 2012 , after finding out from Lucia that she and Paulie were at the same venue I was (they were attending a family graduation party and I was attending a sweet sixteen in the room next door), Paulie crashed the sweet sixteen that I (Gianna) was attending. We danced all night, he kissed me goodnight (which sealed the deal that he had a crush on me too-score! LOL), and the rest is history. Fast forward 10 (fun and amazing) years later- were tying the knot and celebrating with all of you!
Q: Where are you going on your honeymoon?
Costa Rica- we are so stoked! We have heard nothing but great things about it and are so looking forward to all the adventures!
Q: What's your favorite activities together?
Snowboarding, dance, and music festivals!
Paulie is an awesome snowboarder and has been my teacher for the last few seasons. One trip to Killington, VT and I (Gianna) was hooked. My goal is to be able to keep up with Paulie on the mountain one day.
Paulie is also an awesome dancer (as many of you already know and if not, you will most definitely find out at our reception). Whether I'm stealing all of his moves on the dance floor at an event, or we’re taking a class at Chez together, dance is definitely one of our favorite activities.
Last but not least, music! Whether we're having a mini concert in the car on the way to the shore in the summer, or road tripping to another state (with some members of our wedding party!) for a music festival, enjoying music together is one of our favorite things to do.
Paulie popped the question on January 30, 2021. I (Gianna) was SO surprised! My girlfriends and I had planned a 'lets get together for some drinks and dinner' night (boyfriends included). So, after a Saturday shift at work, I went home, got ready for dinner, hopped in the car with Paulie and made a pit stop to "check on one of the hunting cameras" he had set up previously -which we did often on our way to things, so this wasn't unusual.
When we arrived I was SO surprised and SO ecstatic. Paulie lead me to a beautiful little set up, got down on one knee (after giving a little speech that made me SO emotional), pulled out the most gorgeous ring I could have ever dreamed of, and asked me to marry him. After saying yes, I remember saying out loud "Is this real life?!". I felt like I was truly in a dream.
Then, two of my best friends, Marissa and Lucia popped out of the bushes, eyes full of tears, running toward us screaming "CONGRATULATIONS!!!!". I immediately started crying some more (LOL)- later finding out that the three of them had so carefully planned the whole thing.
Afterward, we headed to Paulie's parents house where my parents were also "waiting for us to pick them up to celebrate at dinner at The Lakehouse (a restaurant near by)" when in reality, not only our parents, but my friends and family were at his parents for a surprise engagement party (where i cried some more LOL). I can't even put into words how amazing that day was. We are so looking forward to forever together and we are so thankful for the best family and friends that made this all possible. Again, we are truly so excited to celebrate with all of you!