Danucera Diaries
Entry 35: AJ & Gabrielle Dillon
Tell us about how you met...
"We officially met on Instagram in spring 2020, a very modern love story. I was home during a break from my junior year of college when classes were canceled because of COVID, and AJ had just been drafted to Green Bay and didn’t really know anyone yet. It took a little convincing at first, but after talking for a while we finally went out, and we’ve honestly been inseparable ever since."
What’s a small thing the other person does that instantly makes you feel loved, even on a chaotic day?
"AJ is incredibly thoughtful about the little things. For years now, he’s brought me roses every two weeks without fail, even when we’re traveling he makes sure they’re delivered. It makes me feel seen and loved every single time. For AJ, it’s the way I try to lighten tough days, cooking his favorite meal, helping him get organized, or setting up his recovery routine. It’s those small, intentional acts that remind us we’re always looking out for each other."
"Our non-negotiable is Cerabalm. It’s truly been our skin revival."
— AJ & Gabrielle Dillon —
Q: What’s a habit you’ve built together that keeps you connected, no matter what season you’re in?
"We make it a priority to have a weekly “date,” no matter how busy life gets. Sometimes that means getting a sitter, even if it’s just for an hour on a random Monday during football season. If that’s not possible, we carve out intentional time after Trey goes to bed. It’s our reset, a chance to reconnect, talk about life, and remember that while we love being parents, we’re partners first. That consistency has been so grounding for us."
Q: When did you first realize, “This is my person,” and what about that moment still stays with you?
"I realized pretty early that AJ was my person. I’ve always valued my alone time, but with him it felt effortless. I never felt the need to pull away. We could sit in silence or spend all day together and it just felt natural. AJ says he knew because we became best friends so quickly. That friendship is still at the core of everything. Being best friends first is what makes the relationship feel steady and lasting."
Q: What’s one boundary you’ve learned to set that makes your love healthier?
"We’ve learned how important it is to check in openly about what we’re feeling. Instead of expecting the other person to guess moods or stress, we talk about it. Life isn’t always 50/50, sometimes one of us needs more support and that balance shifts. Honest communication helps us recognize when to step up for each other, which keeps our relationship strong and supportive."
Q: When you’re tired, stressed, or traveling, what does a “non-negotiable” Danucera step look like that helps you feel like yourself again?
"Our non-negotiable is Cerabalm. It’s truly been our skin revival. For me, it melts away makeup and leaves my skin feeling fresh. For AJ, it doubles as a hydrating mask, especially when traveling. It’s a simple step that instantly makes us feel reset."
Q: If Cerabalm had a personality in your relationship, who would it be, and why? (The reliable one, the calming one, the fixer, the finisher.)
AJ & Gabrielle: The glue!!!
