Once upon a time in a mid-size city in Central Illinois named Peoria, two people fell in love.

Richard and Mari met at Pizza 150, a neighborhood bar/establishment, a friendly, midwestern gathering place where everyone knew everyone’s name.

On a random Sunday, an outsider entered, a/k/a Richard. Richard was recruited to work at Caterpillar (think big yellow tractors). 27 years retired Army Colonel and working in Washington DC, he had resided overseas and all over the United States. Mari asked Richard, “How do you like Peoria?” He enthusiastically responded, “I love it!” Mari, being a huge ambassador for Peoria, her hometown which she never left, immediately liked Richard and his response. Needless to say, he offered the perfect answer to her question, and a fast, fun, furious friendship developed.

Richard would play music on the juke box, and they loved the same music. They also had the same quirky sense of humor.

Richard grew more fond of Mari, his now favorite Realtor, when he listed his home with her and she sold it in 32 minutes. He even volunteered to do a testimonial for her, which she used as a mass mailing postcard.

Ask what they love about each other, and that’s easy!

Mari - “Richard is very strong. He’s a protector. He’s extremely grounded and disciplined, but he is also very fun and spontaneous. He has a wicked sense of humor. He’s genius smart. He works hard, plays hard, and loves passionately. He truly puts me first in his life and shows me that every day through his actions. The true definition of a gentleman is one who makes everyone around him feel comfortable. That’s Rich.”

Richard - “In describing what I love about Mari, it’s hard to determine where to begin. She’s beautiful, smart, fun, a killer business woman, very feminine, and a wonderful mom and grandmother (Mimi), but the thing I love most is that she’s very sweet, even when no one is looking. To find someone like her, with all of her traits, wow! Mari really is a unicorn, that rare creature that you don’t think exists. There are no trade-offs with Mari. You get the whole package. My sisters, my cousin Dick, and my friends have seen this and told me, “Don’t mess this up!” I won’t.