Here at Team HG, we’re not exactly hopeless romantics, but we have to admit — we love love. Perhaps a little on the nose (but what better day to be?), we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with local love stories submitted by our readers. From first dates to proposals and weddings, you’ve made it clear: there’s something romantic in the air here in Hoboken + Jersey City. Read on for local Hoboken + Jersey City love stories submitted to us by readers.
Maxine + Ian: It’s The Little (Local) Things
After a chance encounter in 2015, Ian and Maxine immediately hit it off. It wasn’t until 2016 that the couple made it official, and in 2020, they tied the knot at a quaint wedding in Van Vorst Park — a wedding day made possible by the help of all Hudson County businesses. We covered their full wedding here.
Jordan + Simon: Love at First IG Pic
If you ever needed a sign to shoot your shot, slide into that DM, or make that first move, this is it. In October 2020, Jordan’s colleague showed her a picture of her soon-to-be boyfriend, Simon. In ultimate Girl Boss fashion, Jordan slid into Simon’s Instagram DMs, and quickly after, the two had penned in their first date at Hoboken’s Stingray lounge (followed by a nightcap at Hudson Tavern). From there, the couple embarked on their own little Hoboken food tour, with dates two and three at Sirenetta and Grand Vin. Both Hoboken residents, Jordan and Simon love creating new memories together in The Mile Square. Lesson learned: it really does go down in the DMs.
Read More: What It’s Like Dating in Jersey City v. The Suburbs: A Look at Regional Dating Differences
Matt + Louie: 3rd Times the Charm
After having to cancel two Italian destination weddings in the wake of COVID, Matt and Louie kept it local and tied the knot at Porta. The night felt like a slice of Italy here on the Hudson and was filled with everything important to the grooms: their nearest and dearest friends and family, delicious Italian food, and of course, personal touches including their pup Archie. We covered their full wedding here.
John + Violet: Home is Where the Heart Is
The enemies-to-lovers trope is great, sure, but everyone knows the slow burn is really where it’s at. Hoboken couple John + Violet both went to Villanova University and were introduced through mutual friends. Despite an instant spark felt by both of them, the couple didn’t go on their first date until a year after meeting each other — are we sure they’re not the writers of Bridgerton? Flash forward over seven years, Violet + John are now engaged and set to tie the knot at the Pleasantdale Chateau in 2024. John surprise proposed to Violet on September 10th, 2022 in their Hoboken apartment. The intimate proposal wasn’t the original plan (John + his friends had organized a faux birthday party and everything), but after nursing Violet back to health from a bad case of food poisoning, John knew the two could get through “anything together, like laughing through a bout of food poisoning.” Some of Violet + John’s favorite local sports include Anthony David’s, Grand Vin, and The Hive. We are so excited for the happy couple.
Chanela + Christina: From Friend to Fiancé
They started off as co-workers. Chanela caught Christina’s eye first, and from there it became a mission for Christina to get out of the friend zone and get the girl. Their go-to foodie spots are Orale Mexican Kitchen in downtown Jersey City and when they first started dating, a go-to spot was The Bistro and Bubby’s Burritos. Read their full story here.
Nicole + Matt: Mr. + Mrs. Swiss
(Photo Credit: @visualsbytanya)
Ron might’ve warned us about falling in love at the Jersey Shore, but he didn’t warn us about falling in love + moving to Switzerland. Spoiler: this Jersey City couple did both. Nicole + Matt first met down in Manasquan summer of 2018. The two were fast friends, exploring their respective cities — Nicole lived in NYC at the time, Matt in JC — through their shared music + restaurant taste. After about a year, the couple went on their first official date and by 2020, Nicole moved across the Hudson to Jersey City. Of course, the Hudson was just a puddle compared to the couple’s next move, because in 2022, Matt landed an unexpected promotion that would relocate him to Lucerne, Switzerland in just four months’ time. Long distance was out of the question, so Nicole + Matt did what soulmates do — expedited their marriage + had the perfect Jersey City wedding. Ceremony: Town Hall. Reception: Battello. After Party: Fire + Oak. Need we say more?
Nicole + Matt return from abroad in 2024 and will be honoring their two-year wedding anniversary with a more traditional celebration at the Pleasantdale Chateau.
Samantha + Anthony: I Do… Want a Slice of Za
Samantha and Anthony met at the local spot Birch, where they had an instant connection. It was all up from there: when Anthony met Samantha’s children, the couple knew this was a forever bond. They tied the knot at Antique Loft, and topped it off with a slice of Hoboken’s Basile’s. Read their full story here.
See More: Romantic Restaurants for Date Night in the Montclair Area
Jagoda + Sam: A Paulus Hook Proposal
(Photo credit: Nicole McCreesh)
Listen — if your partner isn’t writing up a 7-page, confidential brief detailing the exact mechanics of your engagement, they’re not the one. Just ask Jersey City couple Sam + Jagoda. Upon arrival at her NYC hair appointment in May 2022, Jagoda received an envelope with her name on it. The message inside? “The watch ends at the Colgate Clock. Meet me there ASAP. I cannot wait to see you. Love, Sam.” The “watch” was a period in which Jagoda was on the lookout for an engagement from her then-boyfriend Sam. And it was all coming to an end in front of a historic clock? Jane Austen could never.
Waiting for Jagoda at the Colgate Clock was Sam, a ring, the prospect of forever, and… 30 of Jagoda’s closest family + friends. Sam had sent each and every one of them “a 7-page PDF with instructions, Google street view photos of where everyone should meet, and even an FAQ section.” The proof is in the paper: if he wanted to, he would. We spoke to Sam + Jagoda about their engagement, which you can read here.
Claire + Brian: Star Cross(Fit) Lovers
Few people can endure the physical rigor of CrossFit, and even fewer people can look good doing it — but this Hoboken couple was among that small populace. Claire + Brian had been “checking each other out at CrossFit gym” for quite some time before they got together, stealing glances across barbells + rowing machines. It wasn’t until a fateful night at local fave 10th + Willow that the gym crushes exchanged proper introductions, but they’ve been together ever since. Claire + Brian had a COVID wedding in Hoboken’s Columbus Park and celebrated the reception a year later. Proving a perfect fit (pun intended), the couple still works out together at Hoboken’s Brazen Athletics, where Claire is now a coach and a yoga teacher. To top this love story off, Claire + Brian named their mini Goldendoodle, Willow, after the sight of their meet-cute. We’re not crying, you are.
P.S. If you or someone you know has a cute local love story, feel free to send it to hello@hobokengirl.com. We are always looking to highlight Hoboken + Jersey City couples.
