STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Every love story is different, and not every hot romance lasts forever.
But the story doesn’t have to be perfect to be special. Over the years, we’ve profiled lots of Staten Island couples in different stages of their relationships—and our readers eat them up.
Here we reshare some of those most likely to get you in a loving mood for Valentine’s Day.
Have a great love story to share with us, or want to submit your nuptials for a profile or Best Dressed? E-mail us at tips@siadvance.com
Lydia and Carmine RagucciRagucci1. A high‑school initiation dare began this 70‑year love story / August 2025
A Staten Island couple who met at Curtis High School share how a dare turned into a lifelong partnership spanning seven decades.
Link: A high‑school initiation dare began this love story
2. Love story becomes a love song inspired by the Staten Island Ferry / February 2025
Steven Thomas turns his personal love story into a musical tribute to the iconic Ferry.
Link: From love story to love song
Marie and John Bertone on their wedding day, July XX, 1954 and at their 70th wedding anniversary celebration July 13 in Corrado’s Cucina, Greenridge. (Courtesy/Elizabeth Termine)Bertone3. The Bertones’ 70‑year marriage celebrated with a vow renewal / July 2024
Marie and John Bertone renew their vows, reflecting on seven decades together.
Link: Here’s what 70 years of marriage looks like
4. Miranda Lambert reflects on her marriage to a Staten Islander / January 2025
The country star celebrated her sixth anniversary with former NYPD officer Brendan McLoughlin.
Link: Miranda Lambert reflects on relationship with Staten Islander
“Jersey Shore: Family Vacation” on MTV will be spotlighting the November 2, 2024 nuptials of Staten Island couple Matthew McGuire and Christopher Rimi—officiated by none other than Nicole “Snooki” LaValle. (Courtesy Moments by McMahon)Courtesy Moments by McMahon5. Newlyweds appear on ‘Jersey Shore’ after Snooki officiates / July 2025
A Staten Island couple celebrates their wedding at DeLuca’s Italian Restaurant, earning a place on the TV show.
Link: Staten Island newlyweds to appear on ‘Jersey Shore’
Sajjid Ahamed and Victoria Priola celebrate their becoming engaged at Blue Restaurant in Livingston (Courtesy/Victoria Priola)Staten Island Advance6. Viral movie‑theater proposal surprises Staten Island woman / November 2023
A bride‑to‑be gets the surprise of her life when a trailer turns into a proposal.
Link: She thought the movie was starting, but got the surprise of her life
Scenes from Tristan Thompson and Tyla Wade’s wedding in the New Orleans Botanical Gardens on April 23, 2023. (Rare Siting Photography/Devonte Williford)Devonte Williford7. A wedding as a love letter to the community
A couple’s celebration honors both their love and traditions.
Link: Their wedding was a love letter to their community, a celebration of Black culture
8. Staten Island couples married over 50 years renew vows on national TV / April 2016
Three long‑married couples renew vows on NBC’s Today Show, celebrating decades of love.
Link: 3 Staten Island love stories — each more than 50 years
Jillian Billings and Michael John Orlino got engaged at the Belmont Stakes in Saratoga, N.Y., on June 7, 2025. (Courtesy of Robyn Billings)Courtesy of Robyn Billings9. Staten Island couple gets engaged in Belmont Stakes Winner’s Circle / June 2025
A surprise proposal during the Belmont Stakes creates a memorable romantic moment.
Link: SI couple gets engaged in Belmont Stakes Winner’s Circle