BREAKING NEWS: This Is Love, People!

“I think it’s imperative to make sure you continue to have fun and be spontaneous,” Subrina Dhammi says, seen here with husband, Ryan Jendrasiak.

N E W S C H A N N E L 1 3 ’ S S U B R I N A D H A M M I A N D H U S B A N D RYAN JENDRASIAK SHOW US HOW IT’S DONE.

his is a happy story. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been one of those people who, when I meet someone wonderful—you know, kind, attractive, witty, smart—I want the person they chose to love to be worthy, on the same level, as my friend. So I’m glad to report that such is the case in the decade-long union of NewsChannel 13 morning anchor (and new buddy) Subrina Dhammi, and her environmental and civil engineer husband, Ryan Jendrasiak. To spend time with them, as I’ve had occasion to do a couple of times recently, is to see a functioning partnership full of small kindnesses, silly moments and grand gestures; in short, a couple truly in love. This love was further magnified when Subrina and Ryan became parents five years ago. Sonya, their gorgeous daughter, is the beneficiary of this amazing, generous union. Ryan says he met the love of his life while working on the Housatonic River Superfund Project in Berkshire County while Subrina was a reporter there at the time. Subrina, a former runner-up for the title of Miss India USA, has begun her ninth year as an award-winning anchor, becoming along the way, one of the most-watched and popular news stars in the Capital Region. It’s easy, of course, to see why.

In the interim, Subrina Dhammi and Ryan Jendrasiak will continue to pave the way as an amazing example of what it means to achieve one’s relationship goals. Well done, you two. ➺

BY RICHARD PÉREZ-FERIA )

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANCESCO D’AMICO EXCLUSIVELY FOR CAPITAL REGION LIVING

“I believe love is the most powerful force,” NewsChannel 13’s Subrina Dhammi says, seen here with husband, Ryan Jendrasiak.

Are you ready for these burning questions, Subrina? Love: For or against? Explain. I’m for love—100 percent! I believe love is the most powerful force.

How did Ryan propose to you and where? Ryan and I got engaged in 2008 in Costa Rica and will celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary in October. We were on vacation, taking a sunset walk along the beach, when he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I was overcome with emotion, and, I, too, immediately dropped down on my knees and said, “a thousand times, ‘yes’.” Here’s the funny part of the story: Later that evening, while getting some dinner at the resort, we started chatting with another couple. We told them we’d just gotten engaged. They said they saw us on the

beach during Ryan’s proposal, and when I dropped down on my knees, too, they thought maybe we’d gone to the beach for some “alone time.” We had a good laugh over that!

What’s the most romantic thing anyone’s ever done for you? I’m very lucky, since my husband’s very romantic. He’s done so many thoughtful and meaningful things throughout our relationship. One thing that stands out is my very first Mother’s Day. He put together a video with pictures and clips from my first year of motherhood—it brought me to tears.

What’s the ultimate sexiest spot in the Capital Region? There are so many wonderful and intimate restaurants that I love for date nights: Peck’s Arcade and Lucas Confectionery in Troy; Speakeasy 518 in Albany; 15 Church and Osteria Danny in Saratoga Springs; also Tanglewood in the Berkshires under the stars is amazing...but my true favorite, romantic spot is my own home. Honestly. Sitting in front of our fireplace with a glass of wine listening to some great music is about as cozy as it gets.

The secret to a truly successful relationship is always... Have fun together! I think most people would say communication is the key to a successful relationship, and while that’s true, I think it’s imperative to make sure you continue to have fun and be spontaneous. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a little note. Sometimes, a few uplifting words written down from my husband can change my entire day!

She Said, “Yes!” THREE RIDICULOUSLY ROMANTIC UPSTATE NY WEDDING PROPOSALS.

Siena Wilder and Heather Randall

Shelby Morris and Jacob Fecura

Vivian Lee and Alex Kutikov

COUPLE: Vivian Lee and Alex Kutikov AGES: 32 and 38 LOCATION: Congress Park, Saratoga Springs DATE: January 29, 2019 He Said: “I had a whole elaborate plan to propose in New York City a few weeks later. That afternoon, I looked out my office window and saw the snow falling. Something about that day just felt right.” She Said: “I was very surprised! It wasn’t your typical engagement setting; it was a Tuesday night. We got all bundled up and went for a casual walk around town in one of the biggest snowstorms of the year! It was so cold, and when he got down on his knee, at first, I thought something was wrong. Then, when I realized what was happening, I was in disbelief, and the cliché tears came pouring out! Let’s just say, I wasn’t complaining about how cold it was anymore!” 2

COUPLE: Siena Wilder and Heather Randall AGES: 24 and 30 LOCATION: Indian Head Trail, Keene Valley, NY DATE: October 17, 2019 She (Siena) Said: “I chose Indian Head because I wanted to show Heather what Fall in New York is all about. (Autumn in Utah is just not the same.) The beauty of the foliage would be the perfect backdrop for the perfect moment. We both love the song ‘This Is It’ by Scotty McCreery— specifically the lines ‘On top of the world, here, together’ and ‘Looking out, I can see forever.’ As we stood on the well-known Indian Head rock, snow falling all around us, we, ironically, couldn’t see five feet in front of us but we could see forever in each other’s eyes. She said YES!” She (Heather) Said: “I was in total disbelief. After months of asking Siena, daily, to marry me, and her saying no each time, she got down on one knee and gave me the opportunity to say ‘yes!’”

COUPLE: Shelby Morris and Jacob Fecura AGES: 25 and 27 LOCATION: Outdoor skating rink, Empire State Plaza, Albany DATE: December 7, 2019 He Said: “I chose this place because, for some time, I was originally going to propose by pretending to fall on the ice while skating, and when Shelby came over to help me, I’d get on my knee and propose. However, after a snowstorm, a picture on Facebook was going around of the place where I ended up proposing, and I decided on that, because it looked amazing! In the end I didn’t have to make a fool of myself on the ice, and it turned out to be one of the best nights of my life!” She Said: “Every once in a while in ordinary life, a fairytale happens, and that’s just what it was when Jacob proposed. I was in complete shock by the whole affair. Jacob went above and beyond, planning everything to a tee and guiding us to the best decision of our lives. I can’t wait to continue this great adventure of life with him by my side.”