Couple Wins Big With Surprise Proposal At Far Hills Steeplechase

FAR HILLS, NJ — It wasn't the races or even the prize-winning horse that stole the show at the 98th Far Hills Race Meeting. Instead, it was a surprise proposal between two Somerset County lovebirds.

AJ Toto of Bedminster and his family have made a tradition of attending the famous horse race every year for the past 35 years. This would be the first year, Toto's girlfriend, Jenna Rebetje of Warren Township and her family would be joining them.

Toto and Rebetje met in October 2015. During a fishing trip at Round Valley Reservoir, Toto asked Rebetje's father for permission to marry Jenna.

He thought it was the perfect opportunity to pop the question at the Far Hills Race Meeting on Oct. 20, since her parents were coming for the first time, and they’d have the families together to share the moment.

With both families present, Toto asked if Rebetje wanted to go to the very top of the hill overlooking the races, and take some pictures. Little did she know once they made it to the top he’d get down on one knee and ask her to marry him.

Rebetje said the entire thing was a "total surprise."

"Once we got to the top he hugged me and told me how much he loved me and asked me to marry him," Rebetje said.

Rebetje was happy to have their parents, Arthur and Nancy Toto and Ted and Debra Rebetje, present for the wonderful memory.

"It was perfect," Rebetje said. "Our families mean a lot to us — so having them there was really special."

“I didn’t bet on any winning horses that day, but I think I was the luckiest person at the race!” Rebetje said.

No wedding plans have been set yet as the couple is looking to plan their future and find a place to live together.

"We don’t want to rush, we’re really enjoying the moments as long as we can right now!" Rebetje said. "I’m still in lala land, and SUPER excited to see what 2019 brings for us."

(Images provided with permission: AJ Toto of Bedminster and Jenna Rebetje of Warren Township with their parents Arthur and Nancy Toto and Ted and Debra Rebetje)

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