(Lisa has requested Marc to write his version of their story :)

“My wife? Where is my wife?” I would ask my friends. I would joke around… open cabinets and closet doors “Is she in here? Ah! She has to be hiding there!” No dice! I had a vision of the person who I would spend the rest of my life with. Almost 30, that vision was becoming more of a vision. ‘Just close your eyes and pick someone!’ Nonno would proclaim :) I wasn’t willing to settle!

So I get back on ‘the apps’. I remember telling myself ‘if there’s anything you’ve learned, finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with isn’t easy. It’s going to take some effort’. I go on some dates… my heart ain’t changing. I leave more excited about having gone to a new bar than the person I sat next to. Though - persistence is key. Keep it goin. All of a sudden, seemingly Jesus Christ himself presents me with someone who is from Westchester, Catholic and Italian. How ya doinnnnn ‘Lisa’!!!!

We literally started our very first conversation about pasta. She was *interested* in *hearing more* about my pasta sauce. I mean. Done deal. We chat we chat we chat and agree to meet up at a bar. I pick an epic speakeasy above an old Jewish deli (she drinks bud light.. orders wine). As we’re leaving the bar after a 3-hour, twinkle-eyed, smile filled, heart opening date.. I get an idea. I propose. She is everything. She has my love. My heart. I spent all this time learning about what I’m looking for. I’ve found it. I’ve found her! I can’t let this moment pass. Before I can get down on one knee, Lisa calls it a night. A snowstorm was brewing and it was time to go (not because she wasn’t thinking the same thing). Although we went our separate ways, we both left feeling that our time had finally come.. that Our Time was going to be one heck of a time : )

A natural next step: Happiness. We’ve experienced a lot of moments where our eye to eye smiles have become cheek to cheek. We’ve walked through through the streets of Italy, hand in hand. Found ourselves entangled in a scarf during the offseason ‘down the shore’. Our first SMOOCH in Central Park. Endless rounds of pop-a-shot. Making homemade pasta while ‘something stupid’ by Sinatra plays in the background. The types of things that life is all about!!! We are truly happy. During these happy moments, I step back and realize that it’s the simple things that give us the biggest smiles.

I couldn’t imagine a person like her. Every time I met people close to her, I realized more and more how special she was - a genuine person who brings light and happiness to so many people. I felt like I was dating a flippin saint! Now, I find myself to be at my happiest when I'm able to put a smile on her face.

What needs to be said about ‘our story’ is that it wouldn’t be a happy story without you - our family and friends. We are lucky because even before meeting each other we’ve always been happy. We can’t quite put into words how much that ‘support’ means to us. Just know this: you have made us feel loved. You’ve always wanted the best for us. And! You were excited when word began to spread: ~ ‘ohmygoshhh she fits right in. She’s so happy! A boy? I hope he likes the beach! Oh he’s italiannn - Of course. He’s just great. Handsome! They both just get it! Beautiful couple. I love to see ‘love’ ~

Because of you all, we know what support is. We will always cherish it. We’re thankful to have twice as much of it in the next chapter of their lives.

There’s a lot to be said about the love we share for each other. Gotta save the good stuff eh? See you at the church!! As always, we need you on the big day. We’re gearing up for the best day of our lives - let’s have a time.

Cheers to a love filled 2024!

Lisa & Marc