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Michelle + Tony

December 1, 2018 • Topanga, CA

Michelle + Tony

December 1, 2018 • Topanga, CA

The Significance of the Red Circle

One night when Tony and Michelle were first dating, Tony sent a goodnight text to Michelle with "xoxo" and a red circle emoji. Michelle asked him if that was supposed to be a giant hug to go with the other hugs and kisses, thinking it was cute.

Turns out it was unintentional.

But from that moment forward, the red circle became a thing that they would send, even just by itself, when thinking about each other. They would even actually say "Red Circle" out loud to each other as if in place of "I love you" before they said those three little words.

Even now, very much in love, they still tell each other "Red Circle."

The First Date: Just Tony, Michelle, and the Awkward Valet

After rescheduling all week, what was supposed to be just drinks turned into dinner at Habanas...and even that didn't seem long enough.

Good drinks, delicious food and fantastic conversation made the night fly by in a minute. Everything seemed to be going great, aside from Michelle eating a bay leaf off her plate because she was too embarrassed to spit it out once she realized what it was (don't worry she went home and Googled if they were poisonous, which she thought they might be, but they aren't).

The only downside was that they had to drive separately to not raise any suspicions at work and the night was quickly coming to an end. Both walked over to the valet (where Tony was a true gentleman and paid for Michelle's car). As they waited they talked and laughed some more, clearly both had a wonderful time. When the cars came around, the moment of truth came to see if there would be a first kiss.

After looking at each other for a few moments, they suddenly became very aware of the valet guy standing just feet away from them (as if he was having a slow night and just wanted to be part of any conversation he could). They turned back to each other and exchanged a hug.

They now always go to dinner in the same car.


I Love You...Despite You Not Liking Cheese

Tony doesn't like cheese. Michelle loves cheese. Enough said, it was almost a deal breaker.

In spite of this, the first few months of dating were going great, Michelle knew she was falling hard for Tony.

It was her first birthday they'd be celebrating together. They spent the day at the Getty, saw their first Picasso in real life, and ended up at a great Italian place in Laguna. They both ordered pasta and when their dishes arrived, the waitress offered freshly grated Parmesan. She first turned toward Michelle, who politely declined and then turned to Tony. Without even thinking, Michelle put her hand off and told the woman that he didn't want any.

Tony looked at her, waited a beat, then said that he would like some for his meal.

Michelle looked like a crazy person.

To this day Tony still claims he doesn't like cheese (but he would be happy to split a pizza with you).


Say No More, I'll Be on the Next Flight

Michelle was sitting at her desk, sad that she shouldn't get to see Tony for a few days since he was off to Vegas for work.

While she was working, Tony called her from the plane as they were getting ready to take off. The hotel he had booked was no longer available and he didn't know where he was going to stay for the next 3 days. He had made a quick call to work as well in hopes that something would be done by the time he landed.

Thankfully, Michelle got another call when he landed letting her know that he got one of the last rooms at Caesars. But of course, when he got there, the room wasn't ready yet. Apologizing for the inconvenience, the hotel offered to upgrade his room for free.

Tony obviously said yes.

The next call Michelle received was via Facetime. Tony had to show off the multi-room PENTHOUSE(!) that he was given. He thought there must have been a mistake. After enjoying the room for 30 minutes he figured it would be smart to call the front desk just to make sure he wasn't going to be charged the rate for this room.

It wasn't a mistake.

Tony called Michelle to tell her and within 10 minutes she booked a flight, called an Uber and was on her way to Vegas. She brought her computer so she could "work from home" and figured she would just buy any clothes she needed there.

It was completely unexpected, totally spontaneous and one of the best decisions she's made.


Friendly Foodies

New Year's 2017 was celebrated during an unforgettable trip in San Francisco that can easily be described as being at the Disneyland of food.

Michelle and Tony based their daily activities around where they wanted to eat and would often spend at least an hour (sometimes up to 3!) in line waiting to get in somewhere.

The one restaurant Michelle really wanted to go to was Flour & Water in the Mission District. With only a few tables and reservations completely booked, they decided to try to go for an early dinner in hopes of sitting at the bar. When they got there two seats were available at the communal table and they were thrilled.

Taking their time to read over the menu, they ordered a glass of wine to start. While waiting for the waitress to return with their drinks, Tony overheard the group to the right talking about how they had two more people joining but there were no more seats. After realizing this was clearly a family who hadn't seen each other in a while, Tony excused himself.

Michelle thought he was asking where the restroom was but he was actually letting the hostess know the family could have the two seats and they would continue to wait since they were not in a hurry.

A glass of wine in hand, Michelle was happy to give up her seat as well and couldn't believe how thoughtful Tony was and how lucky she was to be in this fantastic restaurant with such a wonderful man.

When their glasses were empty, the family told the hostess they wanted to buy them another round. Super sweet and while totally unnecessary, shows how grateful this family was.

After waiting for another 20 min or so, two people got up from the bar. Michelle and Tony were excited since these seats seemed to be an upgrade from the communal table and the wait was definitely paying off.

Just when they thought they were being sat, the hostess asked if they wouldn't mind waiting just a few more minutes. Word of the gesture had spread and they were told that they were setting up a table (!) in the main part of the completely reserved restaurant!

Michelle and Tony were floored. They couldn't believe it.

When they sat down, the waitress again thanked them for having given up their seats and told them that the family couldn't stop talking about how grateful they were. She then told them that the older man in the group wanted to give them $100 towards their meal.

WHAT!?

It was one of the most delicious meals, not to mention best experiences, ever.