PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — Do you have a memorable meet-cute and engagement story?
One couple has a meet-cute and engagement straight out of a romcom. It began at the Philadelphia International Airport.
In February 2023, Lesley Venella, from New Jersey, and Matthew Brenner, from Northeast Philadelphia, had their paths cross at the Philadelphia Airport when Lesley stopped to take a photo of a “Welcome to Philadelphia” sign, and Matthew offered to take a picture of her with it.
Lesley declined, but they continued chatting, and the rest was history.
“We were waiting for our respective rides to come and get us from the airport, so we were kind of up against the clock. We exchanged numbers, and then I was only scheduled to be in for the weekend,” says Lesley. “But I told him that I would cancel my flight to return to Florida on Monday if he would take me out the following day.”
Matthew says he was doubtful about it being anything serious, since she now lives in Florida. He was open to finding out, however. Lesley felt the same way.
“But then as things grew, I was like, ‘Oh, wait. This person’s actually amazing,'” says Matthew.
Over the next year and a half (in addition to dozens of flights), the two became serious. Matthew sold his local business and moved to Florida to be with Lesley. When it eventually came time to pop the question, Matthew says he knew exactly where to do it.
Not only at the Philadelphia International Airport but beneath the very same “Welcome” sign where they’d met.
He says what he hadn’t anticipated was the “crowd of 100+” people who would witness the moment.
“[As the proposal was happening] they had their phones out — including the airport staff,” says Matthew. “Then there was like this, thunderous roar, and I didn’t expect that. These people actually got a better view than our families.”
The Philadelphia International Airport later shared video of the proposal to its social media pages. It’s been gathering attention nationwide since.
On behalf of all Philadelphians and fliers everywhere: congratulations, Lesley and Matthew!