Monika and Luca first met in 2021 at the University of Pennsylvania during a Thanksgiving potluck hosted by the Catholic Newman Center. They were introduced by their mutual friend, Molly Larkin, who grew up near Luca on Cape Cod and was serving as a missionary at Penn. Conversation came easily from the start, and they quickly realized that they only lived four houses down the street from one another!

Over the months that followed, they often walked together to and from Newman Center events, and their friendship steadily grew.

In January 2022, Monika and Luca went on their first official date. What followed were Wawa runs between classes, long walks around campus, and weekends exploring Philadelphia. Before long, it became clear how naturally their lives fit together.

After Monika graduated, her work took her across several states and eventually overseas to Poland and the United Kingdom. Luca remained at Penn, focused on his studies, his leadership on the rowing team, and the Catholic community on campus. Though distance separated them for a time, the season strengthened their relationship as they stayed closely connected through calls, visits, and prayer.

When Monika returned to New Jersey during Luca’s senior year, they were finally close enough to see each other regularly again. During that time, Monika loved cheering Luca on as he served as captain of Penn’s heavyweight rowing team, and she was equally proud to support him as he prepared for his future service in the United States Marine Corps.

In August 2025, Luca proposed during a family weekend on Cape Cod. After a morning at the local farmers market and an afternoon at the beach, the two set out for a quiet boat ride. Near Sampson’s Island, Luca got down on one knee and asked Monika to marry him! Their families were waiting at the Crosby Boat Yard dock to celebrate, and the evening ended with dinner at Wimpy’s Seafood Café and a cozy fire-pit gathering at home.

Luca and Monika are grateful to God for bringing them together and guiding their relationship each step of the way. They look forward to beginning their marriage with a foundation rooted in faith, friendship, and joy 🙏