I Do!: Kristin Sarris and Frank Rueb, of Ronkonkoma

Kristin Sarris and Frank Rueb could be considered the epitome of the saying "right person, wrong time." 

Sarris, 34, a special markets customer care representative, and Rueb, 35, a transformer mechanic, both of Ronkonkama, first connected on social media in 2010.

“We started talking, timing never seemed to work out for us over the years, so we stayed friends,” Sarris said.

A decade later, they reconnected on the dating app Hinge and decided to give romance another chance.

They began dating in January 2021, moved in together that June and welcomed their mutt, Luna, into the family the following month.

Rueb proposed on Oct. 7, 2023 at Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard, in Calverton, enlisting Sarris' sister and cousin and their partners to help plan the surprise.

"My favorite place in the world is Baiting Hollow Vineyard," Sarris said.

The engagement ring was exactly what she hoped for and matched the Michael Kors diamond stud earrings Rueb had given her for Christmas two years earlier.

The surprises weren't over. Later that day, Sarris arrived at her parents house to find about 65 friends and family members waiting to celebrate, including an aunt who flew out from California.

“The memories are so great,” she said. “It’s like one of those things that just don’t quite feel real.”

The couple began planning their wedding about a month after being engaged, agreeing early on that an oceanfront view was a must.

Sarris was skeptical at first, but Rueb knew she would like it, she said.

The couple held their wedding and reception at Land's End restaurant and catering hall in Sayville on Sept. 5 with about 175 family and friends.

“Being the bride was weird because I’m not really used to being the center of attention,” Sarris said.

Now, Sarris, who said she loved everything about planning her wedding, is looking to become a wedding planner herself.

Nominate a couple who has gotten married in the past 12 months. Email your love story, in 250 words or less, to lilife@newsday.com, subject line I Do!