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A real-life Hallmark love story? Connecticut couple hopes company RSVPs to their wedding
Дата публикации: 12-08-2026 12:45:58
After years dealing with heartbreak and disappointing online dates, a Connecticut couple is getting ready to say “I do” and they’re hoping a famous greeting card company might be part of their big day.
Erin Jones, of South Windsor, and Benjamin Hallmark, of Westfield, Massachusetts, met through an online dating app in January 2021 after both had nearly given up hope of finding the right person.
Erin tragically lost her boyfriend, South Windsor police officer Matthew Mainieri, in 2018, when he died after he was assaulted while attempting to break up a fight at a bar in South Carolina.
When she was finally ready to start dating again, she was greeted with one disappointing online profile after another.
Erin said Ben’s profile stood out because he was genuine, upfront, and looking for a serious relationship.
Ben was drawn to Erin’s resilience and life experience, along with her warm personality.
Their first date took place on Jan. 25, 2021, at The Barn in Granby during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the awkwardness of masks and meeting a stranger for the first time, both say the conversation flowed easily, and they felt comfortable with each other right away.
Four years later, on the anniversary of that first date, Ben proposed.
“She was there for me every step of the way through some difficult times in my life,” Ben said. “That showed her true character. I knew she was the one.”
Now, with their wedding just weeks away, the couple is embracing what they describe as a real-life Hallmark romance.
The idea took shape during an engagement trip to Old Forge, New York, where light snowfall, Christmas lights, and picturesque scenery made Erin feel like she was living inside one of the feel-good movies the network is known for. Little did she know, a proposal was coming the next day.
As they planned their wedding, the Hallmark connection became even more fitting. After all, it is Ben’s last name.
The couple tracked down a vintage Hallmark sign on eBay to display at their head table, and they’ve even mailed wedding invitations and engagement photos to Hallmark, hoping someone at the company might take notice.
“I’d be thrilled if they even sent us a card,” Erin said.
So far, they haven’t received a response, but they’re staying optimistic.
Beyond the Hallmark connection, the couple says their story proves it’s never too late to find love.
“I’d say it’s definitely never too late to start over again and take a chance, and I’m glad I did because at 44 I didn’t think I’d ever be getting married, ” said Erin. “Ben’s 49, and he’s never been married either. It’s definitely never too late to find love or start over and take a chance.”
Ben agrees, encouraging others who may be discouraged by dating later in life not to give up hope.
“Eventually you meet that special somebody,” he said.
The couple will marry in South Windsor later this month, and one very special guest is already confirmed. Their beloved dog, Adora, a Dogo Argentino who helped catch Erin’s attention when she first saw Ben’s dating profile, is set to walk down the aisle wearing a floral collar made by Erin’s mother.
Whether Hallmark ultimately responds or not, Erin and Ben say they already have the happy ending they were searching for.
Основное содержимое страницы с новостью.
After years dealing with heartbreak and disappointing online dates, a Connecticut couple is getting ready to say “I do” and they’re hoping a famous greeting card company might be part of their big day.
Erin Jones, of South Windsor, and Benjamin Hallmark, of Westfield, Massachusetts, met through an online dating app in January 2021 after both had nearly given up hope of finding the right person.
Erin tragically lost her boyfriend, South Windsor police officer Matthew Mainieri, in 2018, when he died after he was assaulted while attempting to break up a fight at a bar in South Carolina.
When she was finally ready to start dating again, she was greeted with one disappointing online profile after another.
Erin said Ben’s profile stood out because he was genuine, upfront, and looking for a serious relationship.
Ben was drawn to Erin’s resilience and life experience, along with her warm personality.
Their first date took place on Jan. 25, 2021, at The Barn in Granby during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the awkwardness of masks and meeting a stranger for the first time, both say the conversation flowed easily, and they felt comfortable with each other right away.
Local
Four years later, on the anniversary of that first date, Ben proposed.
“She was there for me every step of the way through some difficult times in my life,” Ben said. “That showed her true character. I knew she was the one.”
Now, with their wedding just weeks away, the couple is embracing what they describe as a real-life Hallmark romance.
The idea took shape during an engagement trip to Old Forge, New York, where light snowfall, Christmas lights, and picturesque scenery made Erin feel like she was living inside one of the feel-good movies the network is known for. Little did she know, a proposal was coming the next day.
As they planned their wedding, the Hallmark connection became even more fitting. After all, it is Ben’s last name.
The couple tracked down a vintage Hallmark sign on eBay to display at their head table, and they’ve even mailed wedding invitations and engagement photos to Hallmark, hoping someone at the company might take notice.
“I’d be thrilled if they even sent us a card,” Erin said.
So far, they haven’t received a response, but they’re staying optimistic.
Beyond the Hallmark connection, the couple says their story proves it’s never too late to find love.
"I'd say it's definitely never too late to start over again and take a chance, and I'm glad I did because at 44 I didn't think I'd ever be getting married, " said Erin. "Ben's 49, and he's never been married either. It’s definitely never too late to find love or start over and take a chance.”
Ben agrees, encouraging others who may be discouraged by dating later in life not to give up hope.
“Eventually you meet that special somebody,” he said.
The couple will marry in South Windsor later this month, and one very special guest is already confirmed. Their beloved dog, Adora, a Dogo Argentino who helped catch Erin’s attention when she first saw Ben’s dating profile, is set to walk down the aisle wearing a floral collar made by Erin’s mother.
Whether Hallmark ultimately responds or not, Erin and Ben say they already have the happy ending they were searching for.
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