Mark and Lily met in 2024 through an introduction by a mutual friend who knew the two shared similar values. The primary relationship challenge was one of geography as West Palm Beach and Orlando are separated by ~3 hours by car. God bless the Brightline rail, a high-speed passenger train, which directly connects the two cities and stops right in front of Markβs apartment.
The two officially became a couple following a day trip to the historic St. Augustine, Florida where the two visited the first Catholic Church in the U.S. of the same name, and Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest fort in the continental U.S. used to defend Florida and the Atlantic trade route. Upon returning to Orlando that late that night, Lilyβs home key had mysteriously disappeared. Mark sprang into action remembering many episodes of the 1990βs drama MacGyver and unlocked the door. It was love.
Over the next year, the two would split weekends between Orlando and West Palm Beach. Lily would take Mark to mass at her beloved St. James Cathedral in Orlando. While in the Palm Beach area, the couple would often hike to and from the various beaches catching as many sunsets as possible.
Mark would take his first trip to California to meet Lilyβs family in May of 2025. To the surprise of Lilyβs sisters, they in fact did NOT βscareβ Mark away. Lily would visit Wisconsin for her first time in July of 2025 and would meet Markβs brother Ryan, sister-in-law Victoria, and three boys, Cameron, Connor, and Brooks. Lily still refuses to visit Wisconsin during the winter months.
Mark proposed to Lily on October 17th. Following the wedding, the couple plans to move to Jupiter, Florida where they can be near St. Jude Catholic Church and the beach.
π΄ Palm Beach & Surrounding Area β Key Places to Visit
π Basilica of St. Edward
π Address: 144 N County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480
π Link: https://goo.gl/maps/YR8c9yimZNR2
A beautiful historic Catholic church with Spanish Mission architecture β a perfect place for Sunday Mass.
Nearby Palm Beach Island Points of Interest:
Worth Avenue (Shopping & Dining) β Upscale shopping, galleries, cafΓ©s; perfect afternoon stroll.
https://goo.gl/maps/3PTZVqLFXg22
Via Mizner (Historic Walk & Shops) β Charming pedestrian passage with boutiques and art.
https://goo.gl/maps/nWFU8y4h4w32
Greenβs Pharmacy (Retro Lunch Counter) β Classic soda-fountain charm and lunch counter virtually unchanged since 1938.
https://goo.gl/maps/BX1hXnS8D9G2
Bethesda-by-the-Sea (Historic Church) β Gothic Revival Episcopal church with beautiful architecture and gardens.
https://goo.gl/maps/x4FLEPaXhqt
Flagler Museum (History & Gilded Age Mansion) β Historic railroad baron estate with art and exhibits.
https://goo.gl/maps/g8kqa4tZp7x
Jupiter & Tequesta β Outdoor & Nature Spots
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
π Address: 500 Captain Armourβs Way, Jupiter, FL 33469
π Link: https://goo.gl/maps/STRgqnF7TMP2
Climb the historic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic ocean views with a museum and scenic walking trails.
DuBois Park
π Address: DuBois Rd & A1A, Jupiter, FL 33469
π Link: https://goo.gl/maps/gS2oQhJdfom
Perfect for picnics, relaxing by the water and enjoying scenic views of the inlet and lighthouse.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
π Address: 14200 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408
π Link: https://goo.gl/maps/zmtHEg5cAts
Sea turtle conservation center with exhibits, rehabilitation hospital, and educational experiences.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
π Address: 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr, North Palm Beach, FL 33408
π Link: https://goo.gl/maps/9gQ3PZz6pM62
State park with nature trails, kayak rentals, picnic areas, and pristine beach access.
π΄ Local Food & Drink Stops
Jupiter / Tequesta
Culverβs β Casual comfort food & frozen custard
π 3451 Donald Ross Rd, Jupiter, FL 33458
https://goo.gl/maps/mXYda77nP7N2
Guanabanas β Lush outdoor tropical dining on the water
π 960 North Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
https://goo.gl/maps/5Hd9JQ8h5zQ2
Blue Point Bar & Grill β Waterfront seafood favorites
π 102 VIA De Lβ EAU Ct, Jupiter, FL 33477
https://goo.gl/maps/v9TRH1cLz7m
Square Grouper Tiki Bar β Live music next to the inlet
π 100 N Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
https://goo.gl/maps/Fj4UFKemwM92
Tiki 52 β Fun tiki drinks & vibes
π 52 S Hwy A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477
https://goo.gl/maps/NUta9j6DW2m
Palm Beach / West Palm Beach
Elisabettaβs Ristorante β Italian dining with waterfront vibes
π 807 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
https://goo.gl/maps/qt9cE3vhJ2x
The Square (CityPlace) β Shopping, dining, and the LED Wishing Tree
π 700 S Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
https://goo.gl/maps/k7QCcYHnW3K2
El Camino β Mexican favorites & margaritas
π 101 Clematis St #150, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
https://goo.gl/maps/jm72qXzFgkQ2
RH Rooftop Restaurant β Stylish rooftop dining
π 270 Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
https://goo.gl/maps/Hd9J3bY21Qp
Greenβs Pharmacy Luncheonette β Retro lunch counter near Basilica
π 238 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480
https://goo.gl/maps/4gJZ9bK3QkH2
π Other Fun Spots & Experiences
Mounts Botanical Garden β Tropical botanical gardens, great for a peaceful walk.
π 531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
https://goo.gl/maps/x7nZLPu7Y9m
Clematis Street & West Palm Waterfront β Trendy shops, waterfront strolls, and nightlife.
π Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
https://goo.gl/maps/Esq8hb9n3pL2
Peanut Island Park β Water, picnic areas, and scenic island paths at Lake Worth inlet.
π Peanut Island, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
https://goo.gl/maps/7J7w6pdD7qN2
Antique Row (West Palm Beach) β Vintage shopping along Dixie Hwy.
π Antique Row, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
https://goo.gl/maps/rEDg9H4pFfA2