Written by: Linda A. Thornton

A high-five at a volleyball game, a smile across the room… While Alex and Lisa knew of each other within their wide circle of friends, they had never formally met. Both living alone and working at home during COVID, they jumped at the chance to join a mutual friends’ “pod,” and began looking forward to the weekend get-togethers. It was Alex that suavely made the first move, asking Lisa for her cellphone number under the guise of being able to Venmo the money he owed “Card Shark Lisa.”

Now, with Lisa securely in his contact list and a plan for a special dinner menu, Alex confidently invited her over for dinner. The stage was set, with copper mugs chilled for Moscow Mules and hors d’ oeuvres to start the evening. The cocktail hour continued, as the conversation flowed. The next thing they knew, it was pitch black outside, the temperature had dropped, barbequing was no longer an option and they were starving. In an attempt to avoid a culinary disaster, Alex served a frozen pizza, allowing the evening to end a success. Many theories exist as to what might have occurred, had the frozen pizza not been there to save the occasion. To this day, the Thornasso freezer is always stocked with a pizza, available on standby 24/7.

Not relenting to dating dos and don’ts, Lisa decided to invite Alex to her birthday party, at a family celebration, and introduce him to a bit of her world. With a love of Barbie dolls from a young age and at 5’9” (a perfect fit for Alex’s 6’5” frame), Lisa actually looked like a life-size Barbie, as she held her Barbie cake for photos. Watching Lisa from across the room, as she laughed and talked with guests, Alex was intrigued by her joie de vivre.

As the relationship moved forward, they found they shared a strong devotion to family and friends, a love of travel and adventure and a “work hard, play hard” ethic. Fortunately for Alex, it didn’t take long for him to win over Lisa’s beloved cats, Bella and Dickens. They also both had an unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm for their sports teams. Unfortunately, the same team was not always being cheered for. This has resulted in a number of lost bets for gourmet dinners and wine pairings that Alex has had to prepare along with Alex (not happily) being photographed in a Packer jersey.

Alex’s usual cool and calm demeanor was challenged the week he planned to propose:

- He received word the wedding ring would be delayed.

It arrived on time.

- The chance of a downpour put a kink in the plan for a stroll to the planned engagement spot: the lighthouse at Hoan Bridge, complete with a photographer standing by.

The sun shone all afternoon.

- A last-minute call from the wine bar apologizing for forgetting they were closing early meant family would have to be detoured to another location.

Not only did the timing work out, Alex also received a complimentary bottle of wine.

Destined to meet, bon vivants, Alex and Lisa, have already begun celebrating and are looking forward to continuing the party with family and friends on April 27, 2024!