It’s February and we’ve still got a few more weeks of bearing the brunt of the cold. While we’re totally over it, we’ve got February’s round up of hot, local couples to heat things up. Normally we just do “Babes of Jersey City,” but it is the month of love after all. So here they are, giving us advice, relationship goals and a little bit of envy. Keep reading to get to know our couples of JC.
Meet Matt and Vanessa!
Matt and Vanessa met in college at The University of Rhode Island. The couple became good friends their freshman year while attending classes in the business school. On a whim their senior year, the two decided to go out together on Valentine’s Day where a few drinks ended up leading to the rest of their lives.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Vanessa: I am the Director of Leasing & Sales for SILVERMAN here in Jersey City. I also buy, sell, and manage a real estate portfolio with Matt.
Matt: I work as an Account Manager in Health Care and also manage real estate with Vanessa.
Vanessa: My dream job is to own a successful women based real estate development company.
Matt: My dream job would be to own and operate a first class Hotel and Resort.
2. How long have you 2 been together?
We have been together for 12 years (this Valentine’s Day)! June 19th will mark nine years as a married couple.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
Our favorite date night spot in Jersey City would have to be Hamilton Inn. It’s the first place we discovered in JC and ultimately lead us to find our home in Hamilton Park. The Inn will always hold a special place in our hearts.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
The secret to our success is to never get too comfortable. Having met at such a young age, it’s easy to grow apart if you’re not growing together. We have found that traveling and seeing the world together has enabled us to reconnect in ways we never would have imagined.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
A fun fact about our marriage is that our daughter Adrianna was born on June 7th and we are now expecting our second child around the same date! September must be our month.
Meet TJ and Danitra
Former karaoke bar bartender and overall hater of life at the time TJ Annese “met” (served a drink to) Danitra Greene one night at said nightmare of a job. Dani visited the bar with a disappointing date well before ever introducing herself to TJ but his green hair and singing caught the attention of Dani, she just never said a word. Months passed and drunken karaoke nights happened. One specifically drunken night, a girl approached TJ and rather than words forming and leaving her mouth, it was almost as if a bunch of letters just fell out, pure gibberish, but TJ thought that was cute and they’ve been together ever since.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
I manage Third and Vine, a restaurant right here in Jersey City specializing in cheese and wine, and Dani is a veteran dispatcher for the NYPD. I’ve wanted to own restaurants since I was a child and I’m sure Dani’s dream job would consist of assisting me in my ventures and mostly having “days off” and traveling haha
2. How long have you been together?
We’re not exactly sure but like 4 years or something like that.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
We love visiting our friends at Kitchen Step, but our go-to date night spot is Latham House. I live across the street and it’s an amazing restaurant, so that’s easy.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Listening to each other is important. Understanding individual growth and having understandings rather than arguments. That’s the goal, at least.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
When we sing a duet, an angel gets its wings. Fax.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
Although most people suck. it seems less people suck here.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
We cook for each other, listen to music together, try and enjoy each other every chance we get. Life is short and unfortunately, so can be the patience of love.
Meet Claudia and James
This couple is the definition of young love. James Ubl and Claudia Gagliardi met when they were 12 years old at the skate park.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
James is Roofer, Independent Contractor, and Business Owner of UBL Costruction. Claudia is the Marketing Director of Always LTD Hospitality located in Jersey City. Always LTD restaurants include local favorites like White Star, Mathews Food and Drink, and Margherita’s.
I would say we are living our dream jobs. James has been roofing since he was 16 years old and if you follow him on IG, you can see he takes pride in all of his projects. I was in the food industry most of my life and went to college to pursue my Marketing Degree. Upon graduating, I was offered a promotion within the restaurant I worked for and couldn’t be happier. Being able to work in downtown and working within the field I went to school for is a blessing.
2. How long have you been together?
James and I had our first kiss when we were 12 in his grandma’s backyard and he moved away. He moved back sophomore year and we officially got together in junior year of high school in 2008 and were each others prom dates. When James turned 21, we decided it would be best to explore what else the dating world had to offer. After separating for 3 years, James saw me walking our dog, shot me a text, and all the butterflies came back. We’ve been together ever since.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
We like to explore downtown all the time but our favorite spots are Mathews, Hamilton Pork, and for James’s crepe addiction, Cookies n Crepe’s.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Secret Success, hmmmm. I would say the fact that we are a really good team and have great communication.
We have matching Cactus Tattoos on our ankles when we did a road trip from Arizona to Venice Beach.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
We love summertime in Jersey City. Being able to walk around the city and hop place to place makes every date night an adventure. We also both work in downtown and have got to meet so many amazing people.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
A home cooked meal served in a sexy outfit always does the trick. A twerk and a tool belt doesn’t hurt either.
Meet David and Annie
David and Annie originally met at Jack’s Coffee on Downing Street in West Village and had a few flirty exchanges. Annie ended up moving to Miami to work for a tech startup and bumped into David on the online dating app Happn. After a two hour phone call and David taking Annie on the most epic first date in Jersey City… the rest is history.
1. What do you both currently do for a living?
David is founder of WHEALTH, a hospitality & catering company.
Annie is Head of Partnerships for a beauty tech venture launching this spring.
2. What are your dream jobs?
David: Doing it!
Annie: Dream job would be to launch a new bi-coastal airline geared toward modern traveler – healthy delicious food & an enjoyable flying experience.
3. How long have you been together?
3 adventure fueled amazing years this March!
4. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
Oak on Pine – we love Wednesdays for piano night + the fried chicken and key lime pie are on point
5. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Weekly family and budget meeting. Every week, usually on Sunday afternoon car rides coming back from an adventure, we do a quick touch-base to go over family budget, make travel plans and communicate on what is going on. Every 30 days, we do a deeper dive check in, we ask each other 10 questions and we take notes on each other’s answers so we can reflect back, continue to grow & evolve.
6. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We make each other laugh uncontrollably and have an enormous amount of respect for the other.
7. What do you love most about Jersey City?
It feels like a small town community feel, but has access to all of the amazing opportunities of a big city. We love bumping into friends on the street while running errands, picking up cheese & olives from our fave Carl @ Van Hook, and popping by Casa Mono for flowers to make arrangements for tables at WHEALTH.
8. How do you keep it sexy?
We are religious about weekly date night – sometimes we plan a big night out & surprise each other, and sometimes we Netflix and Chill.
Meet Kathyrn and Rob
Kathryn and Rob met Labor Day weekend 2008 through mutual friends. They spent a long day at their friend’s beach house where they barely exchanged words. Later that night, the group headed to the Osprey in Manasquan and Rob bought Kathryn a shot and the rest is history – a true Jersey Shore love story.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
We are currently working together to create our own CBD company (keep an eye out, we are launching this spring!). We are both overseeing all aspects of business development from finance to marketing. We currently have our dream jobs! There is nothing better than making your own hours, working for yourself and seeing the fruit of your labor come to life.
2. How long have you been together?
We’ve been together for 10 years, married for 3!
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
We have a special place in our hearts for Battello because we hosted our engagement party there. We also love Satis, basically anywhere with some good wine and food!
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Respecting each other is key in any successful relationship. We are also both Pisces so it helps that we are very easygoing and rarely argue.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
Our parents have the same names – hi Pat & Rich and Pat & Rich, if you’re reading! Rob also has a sister named Kathryn.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
The diversity and culture make Jersey City so much fun. We love that there are constantly new places popping up to explore.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
Any dog owner will agree that keeping it sexy requires locking the pups out of the bedroom sometimes, sorry Reese & Twix.
Meet Toniann and TJ
Toniann Mariano and TJ Cleary met at a lounge in Newark, back in 2011. Coincidentally, Toniann was best friends with TJ’s cousin Gina (unbeknownst to the both of them). They had a short introduction but didn’t think anything of it. A few months later, they were both single at the time when the universe reconnected them one night out in Hoboken. They stayed up all night talking and, from then on, were inseparable (after Toniann bought Yankees tickets for the both of them)!
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs
Toniann – I’m Hair Stylist and Social Media Strategist at Hair Cutting Plus in Bayonne.
TJ – Owner at Hudson Roofing in the Hudson County area, as well as on the list to become a Jersey City Fireman.
2. What are your dream jobs?
Toniann – I am living my dream job. I love that I can make people feel good about themselves.
TJ – Doing it!
3. How long have you two been together?
It will be 7 years this April 15th!
4. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
Laicos! It’s our go to spot for pizza and sangria. We have been going ever since we first met.
5. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Compromise! We have great communication skills with each other. We are a passionate couple. Love hard, fight hard, but are always respectable towards each other and value our friendship more than anything.
6. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We are both Pisces and our birthdays are 3 days apart. (But he is 1 year older)
7. What do you love most about Jersey City?
We love the vibe of the city and the diversity of the people. It is home. We would never want to leave.
8. How do you keep it sexy?
Since I am a hairstylist, I love to keep it interesting and wear wigs sometimes. It can be a good fantasy!
Meet Danielle and Arturo
Danielle Luis and Arturo Abreu met in early 2010. She was a senior at County Prep High School and he was a Freshman at Saint Peter’s College, he too went to County Prep High School. Arturo just randomly reached out to Danielle on Facebook, with nothing but a “ ;) ” and they started chatting from there. Arturo swears Danielle always had the hots for him, Danielle says it’s was just his cool car that caught her attention. Arturo always thought Danielle was gorgeous, and just needed to reach out. A few years passed of dating and talking, nothing serious, then in June 2014 they decided to give their relationship a real shot and no more games! They have been together ever since and are getting married this June on their five-year anniversary.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Arturo: I manage an apartment building in Jersey City Heights, and I manage own side business where I detail cars “Turo the Detailer”.
Danielle: I am the Bridal Specialist for Oscar de la Renta, based out of NYC. I have been working for Oscar for 5 years. I work very closely with clientele and the House.
Arturo: My dream would be to own my own detailing shop in Jersey City. I love cars and it’s a way of making these works of art really shine.
Danielle: I dream to own my own luxury bridal boutique where clients can come in and feel comfortable when trying on one of the most important items of clothing they will own, what they will wear on their wedding day.
2. How long have you two been together?
We say we have been in love for 9 years, but we really have been seriously together for about 4 1/2 years.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
Too many to name! Hamilton Pork is one of our favorites! We go at least twice a month in the summer and once a month in the winter (when we are trying to “be good). We love the meat tray and always go for the pulled pork and pork belly.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Communication, understanding, and food.
We communicate everything to one another, like what’s bothering us and how we can make it better.
We understand that we both aren’t perfect and a relationship takes hard work
Lastly, food because we just love trying new places and bond by enjoying it together. You can always catch us talking about food, or eating it.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We go on yearly trips to the Dominican Republic where we literally disconnect from city life for 4-5 Days. During this time, we really try to slow down and reflect on our relationship. We don’t do anything but eat, sleep and just be with each other for five days, which is very uncommon with our busy lifestyles.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
We love how diverse Jersey City is and how close everything is, everything you need is in this city! We love attending all the festivals, meeting new people and trying new places. We sometimes say JC is our hobby because we love to explore it.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
We always keep it sexy by trying to test our limits in and out of the bedroom. Unlike some couples, we aren’t afraid to think outside the box and try new things that some people may find taboo. We wish we could tell you more, but we rather keep it quiet. ;)
Meet Tamra and Robert
Tamra and Robert met two years ago at work. When they first met, they were just friends and she was coming out of an extremely bad relationship. They spent almost everyday going to lunch at the Exchange Place waterfront talking about life and how much they hated their jobs. For a couple months, Robert was secretly taking notes on all the things Tamra was about and eventually worked his way to sweeping her off her feet. He told her after a couple dates, “I am going to marry you.” The rest is history.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Rob: I’m an attorney
Tamra: Executive Legal Assistant
Our dream jobs are to own our own law firms one day!
2. How long have you two been together?
One and half years!
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
We love the Hyatt House Rooftop at Exchange Place.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Happy wife, happy life ;)
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We are complete opposites but we somehow compliment each other in the departments that we lack in.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
We love the fact that no matter where you go (even to the grocery store) it’s always an adventure.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
I try to keep it sexy by spicing things up with lingerie when things start feeling a bit stale.
Meet Vinny and Dom
Dom and Vinny met when they were both invited out to a happy hour by a mutual friend. Vinny has never been one to crush easily but after Dom walked into the bar and started singing along to his favorite country music, it was a different story. The two started dating casually and in a couple of months, they became inseparable.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
I work for Sprint handling their commercial real estate growth and development projects in the tristate area and Dom is both a Physicians Assistant in Dermatology in Manhattan and a spin instructor at Base gym right here in Jersey City. We’ve always talked about owning our own businesses and becoming bigger parts of our community. I would love to own my own gym and have a place I can go to that I know makes a difference in people’s health and overall sense of well-being. Dom dreams of opening his own restaurant and turning his passion for cooking Italian cuisine into a reality for people to enjoy. Which would be a perfect combo since we can give people pasta they love and also a place to burn it off and stay fit. Balance is key ;)
2. How long have you two been together?
We just hit the year and a half mark and honestly I have no idea how it’s only been that long. It feels like we’ve been together for way longer than that.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
Ah, this is an easy one! Our favorite spot in Jersey City is on the rooftop of Skinner’s Loft on Newark. There’s a table on the far right corner with lights that wrap around the gate and it’s incredibly romantic and intimate. It’s our go-to date night spot and so beautiful during the warmer months.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Hands down, without a doubt, open communication. We have both been in long term relationships that weren’t exactly ideal in the past and we wanted to make sure we gave this our best shot and really committed to making it work. We knew the way to do this would to be completely honest and transparent with one another. It wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to do and there were uncomfortable conversations with constructive criticism along the way but it has built such a solid and trusting relationship between us that now I can’t imagine not being able to tell him everything and I love that.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We have had one argument in the two years we’ve known each other and it was the best argument I’ve ever had, haha. Dom got upset because it was our first fight but I was so happy that we communicated and didn’t raise our voices or resort to petty behavior and I was thrilled with it. He still thinks my reaction to our first fight was strange, but you’re not in a real relationship if you don’t annoy each other once in a blue moon! And we haven’t had one since.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
We both love being able to see it thrive the way it has over the last few years. We make it a point to order from local restaurants, shop at the mom and pop stores in the neighborhood, and leave positive reviews so we can see jersey city consistently grow and become an even bigger and more diverse community to live in. Dom introduced me to Jersey City first and once I saw the great gyms, restaurants, shops, and people, I moved here within the year. We love it!
7. How do you keep it sexy?
Haha, we figured you’d ask this question. Both of us are pretty open minded when it comes to keeping it sexy so again having open conversations can really get both of you comfortable trying new things together and finding out what you’re into. Some people are so uncomfortable talking to their partners about sex which has always baffled me. I’m an open book when it comes to sex and we both know if we want this to be a forever kind of thing, you can’t let it get boring in the bedroom. A fun and engaging sex life is important to us both and it’s really fun to experiment and try new things with someone you love and trust.
Meet Sherry and Damon
Sherry Geck and Damon Gasparine met 11 years ago at Duvet in NYC while Damon was working at Hunkmania and Sherry was at her friend’s bachelorette party, as they say the rest is history.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Sherry is the Director of Operations for White Star and Mathews in Jersey City and Damon works as a game show host and chef for Powerhouse Studios in East Hanover.
Sherry: I love my job so I guess my dream job would be just expanding Always LTD Hospitality to be above the level of Union Square Hospitality group. Damon’s dream job would be to become either full time stand up comedian or a manager in the WWE.
2. How long have you been together?
We’ve been together for 11 years, we think. We’ve been married since August 2018.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
We have a lot of favorites, when we actually get a night out together we typically end up at Ani Ramen, Pinwheel, Harry’s Daughter, O’Learys, or a Capitol Wrestling event.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
We think the secret to success in our relationship is not seeing each other, that’s how we’re going to stay married lol. Truth is that our work schedules don’t allow us to see each other often as we would like. Honestly, we think it’s the balance and support that we have for each other. Damon cooks, Sherry will clean or make the drinks. Damon’s creative, Sherry’s more analytical. There’s no ego in our relationship, so if one needs to sleep in or is sick the other walks the dogs and takes care of the other. It’s the give and take that we think all healthy relationships should have.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
Sherry: I’m in love with a stripper…well, former stripper haha
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
This city has grown so much since we’ve lived here! It has everything we would want to do, we love the culture, the people, the art/murals, restaurant scene, the fact that there are so many dog owners, street fairs…everything!
7. How do you keep it sexy?
Meet Christina and Dillon
Christina and Dillon met 7 years ago while sophomores at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. They each played a sport, Dillon soccer and Christina softball, and went to a lot of the same parties and had a ton of mutual friends. Coincidentally, they were each from New Jersey. Dillon grew up in Pittstown, NJ and Christina was from Emerson, NJ. They remained very good friends over the next couple years until halfway through their senior year when they started dating. In October of 2016, they decided to move in together, living in the Hamilton Park neighborhood.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Christina – I’m a project manager at Reckitt Benckiser
Dillon – I’m a CPA consultant working primarily in IT
2. How long have you been together?
5 years
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
It’s hard to pick just one, but our favorites are GP’s, Hamilton Inn, and Dillon’s particular favorite is Hamilton Pork.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Keeping our friendship alive by doing things together we each love. I learned to snowboard since it’s one of Dillon’s favorite things to do, and Dillon started doing hot yoga after I dragged him to a class once.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We share a love for drunk Domino’s.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
The food! There’s always a new restaurant to try, and the classic favorites never disappoint.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
Meet Diego and Lauren
Lauren and Diego met on Bumble. For their first date, they had dinner at Orale’s and drinks at Porta after.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Lauren is a gifted and talented teacher at a public school in Hoboken and a kickboxing instructor at CKO in Jersey City and Bayonne. Diego is a Marketing Coordinator for a company in Manhattan. We are both very fortunate to work jobs that we love. Diego’s dream job is to eventually become a Marketing Director with his company. Lauren’s dream job is to teach kindergarten in her district.
2. How long have you been together?
We’ve been together for 2 years, married for 1.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
This is a tough one. We definitely have quite a few favorite date night spots. We love Taqueria and Rumba Cubana.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Open communication, patience and just being silly with each other.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We’re going to Colombia to visit family in April!
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
We love the proximity to our workplaces and the fact that there are so many awesome restaurants within walking distance of our apartment.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
We both have workout routines that we stick to, feeling good about ourselves and our bodies definitely keeps it sexy for us.
Meet Shruti and Hemant
Shruti and Hemant have known each other for 9 years and married for 7 of those. They had a true traditional Indian beginning to their relationship by entering into an arranged marriage. Today, they live in Jersey City with their 17 month old son Hayden and 3 year old furry baby, Cooper.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Hemant is a tech professional and I am an attorney. Hemant would like to be the CEO of Amazon and I would love to be a lifestyle blogger.
2. How long have you been together?
9 years.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
Talde and Cellar 335.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
We don’t get offended by each other’s jokes and we are on the same page when it comes to the bigger picture like finances and how to bring up our son.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We can be totally mad at each other and burst out laughing the next minutg
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
Definitely the diverse culture it offers and it’s proximity to the city/
7. How do you keep it sexy?
We cook together and have regular date nights.
Meet Claire and Kyle
Claire Dunderman and Kyle Hanko met in 2015 while working for MLB Network. He offered her a Bugle, and she offered him a peanut.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Kyle: I am currently working as a receptionist at both Virile Barber and Shop locations while I work to progress in my career in Digital Communications.
Claire: I would love to become a main editor for a show or a film, specifically working with audio (I have an Emmy so I need to work toward my EGOT, haha). Also, a passion of mine has always been writing, so one day I would love to publish a novel.
Kyle: I would love to be able to play music for a living. I have been playing drums for almost 20 years, and I received a college scholarship for playing bagpipes.
2. How long have you been together?
We have been together for three years! And have lived in two Jersey City apartments (one in Journal Square and one off of Grove Street).
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
You can find us at Pet Shop most nights on the weekend, ordering gin and tonics, playing Judge Dredd and being chummy with the bartenders. Shoutout to Sean!
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Be with someone who makes you happy. Someone who you can laugh with, who you can be silly with, someone you can share movies and music with. Someone you can confide in, someone you can communicate with. Someone who, at the end of the day, you always look forward to seeing – someone who gives you butterflies like it’s the first time you’ve seen them.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
On Valentine’s Day a few years ago, we thought it would be funny if we went to White Castle. For those who don’t know, White Castle will take reservations on Valentine’s Day, including table service and a special menu. The photo we took was actually featured on the White Castle Instagram!
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
We love the sense of community and how diverse Jersey City is. On any given weekend in the Spring and Summer, you will just happen upon a parade or a cultural festival while walking down the street. Also, we love how Jersey City is such a prosperous place for artists, we absolutely love all of the street art and murals that get put up around the city.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
We have nightly smash sessions. Super Smash, that is ;)
Meet Nadine and Anthony
Nadine Rada and Anthony Villacari met through Bumble. They often joke about writing to the app to share their success story.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Nadine: I work in Manhattan as an architectural designer in an Interior Design firm specializing in hospitality.
Anthony: I am a third generation owner in my family’s business.
Nadine: Dog treats. I started a doggy ice cream company at JC’s Farmers’ Market a few years ago, Share the Wuv, and I’d love to bring this to its full potential as I originally envisioned with a food truck and store front.
2. How long have you been together?
8-1/2 months going on 69 years
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
We start at Ani Ramen for dinner, but usually end up at Third & Vine to sample the latest creations from amazing bartender TJ. He knows his shit and thinks up really fun drinks.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Communication and teamwork. We’re partners in every sense from splitting the housework to sharing our dreams and fears, one partner should never feel alone. We support one another to be our best selves. We want to make each other’s life easier, not harder.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
Nadine: We almost didn’t happen because I accidentally gave Anthony the wrong phone number at first. Days later, we both thought the other was a typical dating app blow off. Thankfully Anthony messaged back to ask what was up! It really showed me the kind of caring, legit guy he is. A few months later, we had our first vacation, moved-in together, bought a boat – and the rest is history!
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
The importance of supporting small and local businesses and artists. The sense of community. And what a fun city it is- there’s a ton of things to do! We don’t have to leave to find great food and drinks, the summer is packed with local events, we have a great waterfront- and you’re always bound to meet someone you know wherever you go!
7. How do you keep it sexy?
We have a proper ‘Date Night’ at least once a week. We discuss our fantasies. We still give each other little surprises whether it’s a favorite snack, leaving a love note, or flowers. And… morning sex! We believe it sets the tone for a great day!
Meet Scott and Courtney
Courtney Mason & Scott Klasner met at the University of Hartford in 2011. They were acquaintances through mutual friends & involved in Greek life. They were volunteering at Relay For Life, a charity event that campus hosted each year. Each sorority & fraternity was tabling to fundraise for the cause. One of the tables was a “marriage booth.” In exchange for a donation you received a photo of you & a special someone wearing bride & groom headpieces and a mock-marriage certificate. Scott was there looking for someone to marry. Who does he see in the distance but Courtney, about to cross the bridge to the other side of campus. He calls her name at the top of his lungs “Hey Courtney, wanna get married? To which she replied “Okay.”
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
I am a designer & illustrator and he’s an engineer. Screenwriting and storyboarding an animated film/TV series are our dream jobs.
2. How long have you been together?
Together 7.5 years, married for a little over 1 year.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
The string lights on Grove St. & Newark Ave are so romantic. Just walking around there and having so many great places to eat & drink around make it perfect for date night.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
Communication & spontaneous dance offs.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
I had a crush on him 6 months before we started dating. He asked his friend how he could get a girl like me 1 year before we started dating.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
The view of NYC skyline & the many murals
7. How do you keep it sexy?
We don’t like to kiss and tell, but we like to keep each other guessing
Meet Evelyn and Vincent
Evelyn Llanos and Vincent Tandoc met in the Forever 21 in Newport Mall, not as customers but as coworkers. From retail to relationship.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
I am a Prop Room coordinator at Macy’s NYC offices and Vincent is a Reverse Logistic Lead and Analyst for ZT Systems, a server integration company in Secaucus NJ. I aspire to be a fashion stylist, while Vincent would love to be a custom motorcycle designer.
2. How long have you been together?
We have been together for 6 years.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
Our favorite place to be is at O’Hara’s.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
We’ve always thought communication is important and so is compromising. We support each other through thick and thin and as Vincent always says “keeping it at 100.”
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
Every year one of us is in charge of annual functions such as Valentines, Anniversary, Matching outfits for Halloween/Christmas/NYE. This year it’s me!
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
The culture, art and diversity Jersey City offers.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
From time to time we both get a little more than lit and we bring the party home, skies the limit when things go down.
Meet Jessica and Jonathan
Jessica & Jonathan met while both working at W Hoboken… Jessica was managing the hotel’s nightclub, LULUs while Jonathan was managing the hotel’s front of house.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Jessica: I currently serve as the events director for Jersey City Urby— a hospitality-focused residential building in downtown JC. I put together an awesome monthly calendar of events for residents, friends, and sometimes even public to take part in. I often try to highlight local talent whether it be a chef, an artist, or a off-site venue!
Jonathan: I currently work as an Account Executive at B&A Food Brokers. In simple terms I negotiate sales for food producers, manufacturers, and buyers. Our clients consist of chain wholesalers, retail stores, and independent wholesalers. It’s very cheesy.
We both feel fortunate enough to work for our dream company. Our current employers provide us with the flexibility & freedom to grow into future roles that will best suit is.
2. How long have you been together?
We have been together for two years.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
This list could get a little long… Most of our time consists of indulging in Jersey City’s best. We love to hit up Hamilton Inn for some tartare or steak frites and you’ll always find us at Gringo’s for a late night margarita.
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
The secret to our relationship would have to be remembering that we’re best friends first. Whether it’s sharing daily obstacles or surprising each other with things we had said in conversation, friendship is the base of all we do.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
One fun fact about our relationship is the love we both share for dogs. In our free time we volunteer at local animal shelters and have also fostered pups through various local rescue groups! It’s heartbreaking to see these dogs come from such terrible situations, but is so amazing working together to get them into loving homes!
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
Jersey City has to be one of the most unique places on the east coast. It is incredible to live in one place and feel so many different vibes. The culture, the architecture, the diverse group of people— we’re very lucky to be able to immerse ourselves in this evolving atmosphere.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
We treat every day like it’s our first date. It’s important to change it up every once in a while and not get in a groove of the doing same thing over and over. Checking out different places and experiencing different vibes offer an opportunity to learn something new about each other. We keep learning and keep the communication open.
Meet Megan and Bobby
On October 5, 2017, Bobby signed up on Plenty of Fish, messaged Megan and deleted it the next night after their first date.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Megan: I am an actress and dancer as well as dance motivator for event companies.
Bobby: I am a real estate agent and personal trainer.
Megan: My dream job is to be a successful, full-time working film and television actress.
Bobby: I am happy to be working my dream job and my goals are to continue to build my business and have continued success.
2. How long have you been together?
We have been together for 16 months, but who’s counting? ;)
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
We love the Japanese restaurant Komegashi Too. It’s a beautiful restaurant with amazing views and makes for a lovely romantic date night. Makes us want some sake right now!
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
We both believe that compromise and communication are key to the success of our relationship. It may sound cliche, but for us working together using both of those tools continues to make us stronger as a couple.
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
Megan: I am a Yankee/Giants fan and Bobby is a Red Sox/Jets fan, so needless to say the competitiveness when we attend games keeps us on our toes. We never take it too seriously, but it helps when my teams win.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
Megan: I grew up in Jersey City my whole life so my roots are here. My dad was born and raised here and my grandfather, an Irish immigrant, worked as a foreman for the Central Railroad of NJ out of what is now Liberty State Park. Jersey City connects my paternal family history.
Bobby: I love the views of the NYC skyline. I also love the culinary culture here and all of the varieties of restaurants especially in the Downtown area.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
By listening to each other’s wants, fulfilling each other’s needs, and never stop flirting with each other.
Meet Mike and Alec
A mutual friend introduced Mike to Alec at Alec’s 23rd birthday party. A sarcastic pickup line, a few dances, and they were boyfriends within a month.
1. What do you both currently do for a living and what are your dream jobs?
Mike is a television news producer. Alec is a 4th year medical student.
Mike: Political Newscaster
Alec: OBGYN
2. How long have you been together?
5 years.
3. What is your favorite date night spot in Jersey City?
Six26
4. What is the secret to success in your relationship?
The secret to success in our relationship is bubbly Rosé (a.k.a. gay beer)
5. What is 1 fun fact about your relationship?
We cook breakfast and dinner for each other almost every day.
6. What do you love most about Jersey City?
The views.
7. How do you keep it sexy?
Ariana Grande’s “Into You”
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