Written by Kevin Bourgeois
The year 2020 may have been a difficult time for most people, but it wasn't all bad. On March 2nd of that very year, Kevin Bourgeois & Melissa Pelletier held their first conversation on the dating site, Eharmony. What started out as simple, friendly conversation became something much more.
Kevin first reached out to Melissa, and luckily for Kevin, Melissa replied. They spent a couple of days in their Eharmony inbox talking about everything from hobbies to careers. Their distance apart was a little far- While both lived in Connecticut, Kevin was in Vernon, and Melissa was in Preston- about 50 miles! Luckily, that didn't matter, for after a few days, Kevin asked Melissa if she'd like to meet for coffee, to which Melissa agreed. However, Melissa was a little nervous to meet him. He was basically a stranger after all. So the day before their coffee date, Melissa said (and I'm not joking here) “Sorry I can't go out to coffee tomorrow, I have to clean my house”. At first, Kevin thought she just wasn't interested in seeing him anymore, and he was a little sad. However, Melissa quickly turned his frown upside down when she asked for a video chat instead. By chatting via a video-call, she could get to know him in the safety and comfort of her home. Kevin quickly agreed, and the video-chat went well! It lasted about 2 hours and ended with plans to go bowling roughly a week later. And Melissa was actually planning on going this time - she even bought bowling shoes!
Alas, it wasn't meant to be just yet. As the time to go bowling was quickly approaching, and their excitement was gradually building, suddenly the world stopped dead in its tracks. The COVID-19 Pandemic reared its ugly head, and the timing couldn't be worse. Literally a couple days before their bowling date, America shut down. Now they had no choice but to push their 1st date off til restrictions were lifted. Kevin and Melissa had to wait about three months!
But luckily those three months weren't in total vain. Kevin and Melissa used this opportunity to get to know each other via video chat several times a week. During a time that was so scary and uncertain for everyone in this world, to them, it was weird to simultaneously feel some sort of excitement and happiness over this blossoming relationship they were building from 50 mile distance.


Finally, in May of 2020, Connecticut went into Phase 1 of reopening, which meant outdoor parks could open up to a limited number of visitors, and visitors were strongly encouraged to mask up and social distance. On May 24, 2020, Kevin & Melissa finally met in person at Harkness Memorial State Park, and Melissa was even prettier in person. The anticipation to finally meet each other was well worth the wait! For four hours, they walked the beautiful grounds and talked about all sorts of things. Everything felt right! It was basically a perfect first date.


From then on, parks became Kevin & Melissa's date of choice , and not just because they were the only places open! As frugal beings, they felt it was nice to go on dates and not worry about having to impress one another with an expensive meal or date night plan.
Eventually, weeks together turned into months, and then even into years! During that time Kevin & Melissa created so many memories- their first kiss, their first of many traveling vacations, and of course their first time saying “I love you” to each other (And as Melissa will always remind Kevin- she did say it first. Even though Kevin already felt the same way). Kevin even got an added bonus in becoming a beloved cat dad to Stitch! (On Kevin's phone, Kevin is pretty sure there are more pictures of Stitch than Melissa. )
Time continued on, and after about a year and a half, Kevin & Melissa took a big step and moved in together into their 1st apartment! More time passed, and they still loved each other like crazy.
Eventually, Kevin and Melissa made it to their third anniversary, and Kevin made some plans. It involved Melissa's three best friends and each of their parents to carry out the ultimate marriage proposal for Melissa.
Even though their official third anniversary fell on May 24th, 2023, Kevin decided to spring his proposal plan into action on the 27th, since that was a weekend and more family and friends were available. The plan was simple- dinner and a sunset, with a little engagement thrown in
For the dinner- the couple ate at J Gilberts in Glastonbury. As the pair ate their delicious food, the friends and family decorated their apartment in full engagement gear. But don't worry, Melissa was going to be proposed to before they got back.
After dinner, Kevin suggested a sunset at the beautiful Major Donnelly Preserve for one of Melissa's favorite things- that wonderful sunset. However, once at the park, Melissa got the surprise of her life. Not only did her parents drive up from Florida for a visit, but she got an engagement as well! After the official proposal, there was one more surprise- a celebration party at the apartment. Not to brag , but Kevin was pretty sure that it was one of the best days of her life.
And so our adventure continues... we are so excited to have our greatest adventure yet surrounded by our friends and family!!!