By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
A DM on Instagram a little over a year ago turned into “I do” on Valentine’s Day when Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista married longtime Township natives Julian Perez and Leticia Rosa in a special ceremony at the Municipal Building.
The newlyweds hung in similar circles with mutual friends, but never met. Julian first reached out via Instagram, where the two 26 year olds hit it off.
“I knew his cousin and we all have mutual friends. We both went to the same school,” said Leticia, who went to both Carson Elementary and Saint Stephen’s School and is currently studying nursing at Rutgers University – Camden.
“She liked God and I really liked that about her. And she’s obviously very beautiful,” added Julian, who grew up in the Delair section of town and is a computer science major at Rutgers Camden. “I just kind of went with it.”
But that first date at Devon Seafood Grill in Center City almost didn’t happen.
“Julian wasn’t going to come,” said Leticia. “He wasn’t going to show up.”
“I was actually nervous at first. I was going to cancel. I didn’t really know if she was going to like me,” explained Julian. “But I took a chance, and it was the best night ever.”
One great night turned into many more dates, and thoughts of a future together.
“Once we were dating, I could tell,” said Leticia. “When I had COVID, he was there helping me, making sure that I was okay. He’s someone I could depend on, no matter the circumstances. He’s definitely my best friend. I feel like I’ve known him forever.”
“For me, it was just how much I love her as a person. She’s very beautiful and we just mesh well as best friends,” added Julian. “I could just see her as my life partner. She loves me for me. I could just be myself. She motivates me to be better with school and my future.”
The couple returned to the site of their first date for another great night: a marriage proposal.
“It was a surprise,” said Julian. “She thought we were going to a banquet for my dad.”
While Leticia and Julian are looking to have a larger wedding ceremony next year, the two could not wait to become husband and wife. Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista was honored to marry the happy couple on Valentine’s Day in front of family and friends.
“It was amazing to marry this beautiful couple and be part of their special day,” said Mayor DiBattista. “Everyone at the Township wishes them a lifetime of happiness.”
