Our story goes something like this...

Kevin was Yoko's best male friend and Yoko was Kevin's best female friend. One cool evening, Kevin casually asked Yoko if she ever thought of being more than friends. Her response was, "No." His question created an avalanche of thoughts and questions and who better to answer them than Kevin.

Not many days after, she reached out to him and asked if he was busy the upcoming Saturday. He said, "No." She made reservations and asked him to meet her at Hinabi Hibachi in downtown Columbia. Their first date was filled with chatter and laughter. The date ended with them holding hands for the first time, as they walked to the car. He knew she was the one.

After many questions, scenarios and discussions, they knew it was time. He got all dressed up and took Yoko to her parents' house to ask them for permission to date her. With both of them grinning from ear to ear, they gave their blessing. He then said, "Well, while I'm at it, I also want to go ahead and ask for your daughter's hand in marriage." The room went silent. Yoko's mom slid halfway off the couch and her dad sipped an enormous gulp of coffee. After the initial shock, her parents looked at each other and said yes. The smiles on their faces were priceless.

Months later, Kevin proposed to Yoko in the very same restaurant that they had their first date. He managed to get her closest friends and mother together to put on an engagement that was just right. Without her knowing, they all got together to celebrate her being "Teacher of the Year", which was a cover. Two of her friends asked Yoko for assistance in the ladies room and upon her return, Kevin was on one knee with a stunning bouquet of orange and white roses (orange is both of their favorite color). A few words and lots of tears were shared and out popped the infamous ring box.

They have known each other for over thirty years and are ready to spend the rest of their lives together as one.