Some love stories take years to unfold; theirs began with a camera, a little courage, and an unexpected second chance. What started as a quick moment at Quinnipiac University turned into countless memories, adventures, and the life Gabriela and AJ are building together today.

They first crossed paths at Quinnipiac during the filming of the "Ambition Unleashed" marketing campaign. AJ, a senior majoring in film, was behind the camera capturing Gabriela, who was sharing her story as a student ambassador. Even though their interactions on set were brief, AJ couldn’t help but admire Gabriela’s warmth, confidence, and energy.

After the shoot, AJ worked up the nerve to ask Gabriela out, but she gently declined, explaining she wasn’t ready for anything serious. Despite walking away disappointed, AJ couldn’t forget her smile.

A few weeks later, with graduation around the corner, Gabriela reached out to AJ, remembering how talented he was behind the camera. She asked if he could take her graduation photos. Thrilled, AJ said yes right away. During that photoshoot, they both opened up more than they expected, realizing there was something special between them.

After the photos were done, AJ decided to try again and asked Gabriela out one more time. Feeling a spark she couldn’t ignore, Gabriela said yes. For both of them, it felt like the right moment to take a chance.

What started as a brief meeting on set soon became so much more, a story built on timing, second chances, and a shared sense of curiosity about where it could go.

Since their first date at Mikro Depot in Hamden, they’ve been lucky enough to share so many adventures together. After graduation, AJ spent a couple of months in Los Angeles with the QU in LA program, working on short films and music videos. That summer, Gabriela traveled to Hawaii with family friends and even surprised AJ for his birthday with a trip to Catalina Island, where they explored, ate great food, and kayaked around the coast.

Together, they’ve made memories everywhere, from weekend getaways in Lincoln, NH, hiking snowy trails and floating down the Pemi on warm days, to trips across the Atlantic visiting family in Portugal and Angola. For Gabriela’s 25th birthday, they set sail on a Caribbean cruise with her sister, Alexandra, exploring the Dominican Republic, Grand Turk, and the Bahamas. Looking back, all of it feels like the start of something even bigger, leading them to June 24, 2026.

Since finishing grad school, life has brought them both fulfilling work too. Gabriela began her career at Brown University as an Admissions Coordinator before moving to Boston College as an Admissions Specialist, where she feels right at home among supportive colleagues. AJ, meanwhile, loves the creativity and humor of his job, telling new stories every day through editing and film. As AJ has always believed, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

This has merely been a chapter in their story that has just began. There’s so much more ahead for them, and they can’t wait to keep writing this story together, with all of you by their side.

Most of all, Gabriela and AJ are grateful for every friend and family member who has been part of their journey so far. They can’t wait to welcome everyone to Portugal and celebrate the next chapter together.