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May 16, 2026 I South Lake Tahoe
Tommy & Gabriella
FIRST DATE
We first connected in 2020, thanks to a mix of Instagram and a little matchmaking from friends and family. Tommy sent a DM, and what started as a casual chat quickly became all-day, all-night conversations, even when Tommy had to be up early for work (sorry, Joe!). After a month, we finally met at Blue Line Pizza in San Carlos for a very pandemic-style outdoor dinner. We were both nervous: Tommy questioning his impulsive covid buzz cut, me stressing about how to survive a pizza date while avoiding meat, and overthinking the impression made on Tommy’s parents (meeting them just minutes after I had met him). But within moments, it felt instantly easy, we laughed, talked nonstop and I ate the pepperoni pizza anyway.
PLAYING HOUSE
That summer was unmatched! With the world slowly reopening, we built our relationship in simple but intentional ways, hikes, weekends at Clearlake, family dinners, and any excuse to spend time together. Living with our parents in different towns meant late-night drives, short visits, and running on little sleep just to squeeze in a few more hours together. Eventually, Tommy “moved out”… into his parents’ garage, which quickly became our pretend home on the weekends. We’d watch movies, and dream about a future we both knew was coming. Over the years, our adventures grew, concerts, Tahoe ski trips, summers spent outdoors, and eventually, buying our first home together- a duplex in Livermore. After a year of landlording, a full remodel followed, complete with design debates, constant “how-to” calls to family, and a few moments of “what did we get ourselves into?” But it also brought us closer, taught us patience, and gave us our first real home (no more playing pretend!).
THE PROPOSAL
April 2025 had a different energy. We were counting down the days to Stagecoach when my dad texted about a last-minute 90th birthday party in Sausalito, I thought nothing of it. We decided to go, me being extra excited at the idea of a new coffee stop. That Friday, we went to meet my sister Tori by the water before the “party.” As we walked along the shoreline, pointing out houses and enjoying the sun, Tommy dropped to one knee. I froze, cried, and after soaking in the moment said YES, while Tori secretly snapped photos. Looking back, the signs were there: my phone mysteriously having an “outage” that morning (thanks to my mom shutting off my service so I wouldn’t see anyone’s location), both families acting strangely short with me for weeks, and Tommy asking if his outfit looked good before we left. My response: “I think it’s good, but it doesn’t really matter because my dad says her eyesight is really bad now” Not my most romantic moment, but it makes us laugh every time. There was no birthday party. Instead, both of our families and friends were waiting at a restaurant to celebrate, and it was the best day ever!
LIFE NOW
Since then, life has felt like a new chapter. We celebrated at Stagecoach with friends still riding our engagement high, brought home our puppy May (who’s growing fast and keeping us busy), and dove into wedding planning, while simultaneously juggling football season ;) Choosing Tahoe for our wedding was an easy decision. Not only is it one of our favorite places for skiing, summer trips, and a nostalgic place from my childhood, but it’s also where my parents were married 35 years ago. Touring Edgewood sealed the deal, and when our dream date opened up, it felt meant to be. (Tommy’s equally thrilled about the chance to play the celebrity golf course, of course.) We feel so grateful for everything that’s brought us here, for the life we’ve built together and for the chance to celebrate in a place so special to us, surrounded by all of you.
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