Our Story

Early in the year in 2018, Melissa was chatting in the break room at Nordstrom with a coworker about a friend’s wedding she had recently been in.

A bystander (Rich) laughs at the story, becoming part of the conversation. The two strangers would use this as a topic of conversation for a couple of run ins throughout the course of the coming year in the store. 

At the end of the year Rich would work up the courage to ask Melissa out - to see the Christmas lights at Busch Gardens. 

Immediately the two were inseparable. Within six months, they were apartment hunting. 

They say laughter is the key to happiness, and their home is full of it. Through all the ups and downs, and trials and tribulations of life, they have maintained smiles and giggles. 

Rich and Melissa do their best to have “bucket list” experiences with one another. They have gone sky diving, zip lining, seen concerts, swam with dolphins… one such adventure was Melissa’s first cruise. 

During Captain’s Night, Rich talked Melissa into posing for pictures by herself. After a change of pose, Rich walked up to join her, and bent down on one knee.

Melissa’s immediate response: “YOU’RE JOKING!”

Rich eventually was able to ask and Melissa said yes. 

A year and a half later, they’re ready to tie the knot! The future Fontanezes are so excited for their special day and can’t wait to celebrate with family and friends.