Our Story

How We Met:

Our initial meeting is one of those typical chess love stories. We met over the board at our chess club's annual party in Atlanta. Over time our friendship developed, as we discovered how much more we had in common than just the game. A mutual appreciation for peasantly pleasures, ranging from food (Arby's, Red Lobster) to sports (football, Cubs, gambling) proved surprising. Over time, our friendship grew more serious as we talked almost daily. We shared personal histories, deepest fears, optimistic hopes, and even dating insecurities. After all the time we had invested in one another from afar, it was time to take the leap of faith that a chance for love can conquer any distance. We planned to meet for one fateful weekend at Pheasant Run, a resort in Chicago. After only three days spent in irreverent, blissful, and outlandish fun, we were quickly convinced that this was no simple friendship nor mere short-term trist, but the start of something truly meaningful, bigger than both of us could have ever expected.

While I had known GrizzlyChBunny online for a long time, it wasn't until the Atlanta party that I got to meet Wendy in person. The club celebrated her 40th birthday, and it was obvious by watching her in action that she was a happy and fun person. OMG! DID you just tell everyone that I am over 40??!!! On the last night of the party, I had a long conversation with Wendy about the importance of teaching in her life, and realized that there was intellect and substance underneath her enchanting smile. After a year of friendship later, I remember lamenting to my parents how I wished could find "someone like Wendy". After the self-revelation that I KNEW Wendy, I decided to pursue my heart. Wendy and I met again in person in Chicago as we shared the best weekend of my life. I was amazed at Wendy's sense of adventure, whimsy, fun, and unparalleled joy. Another year later, and I'm still impressed with the ray of sunshine that Wendy radiates to light up my life.

How We Got Engaged:

We spent the "Summer of Love '07" together in California while Wendy wasn't working over her school break. The first three weeks we travelled on vacation: a 10 day driving trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, followed by a 10 day cruise through Canada and Alaska. After another month just spent together "at home", living a more mundane co-existance, we were both convinced the end of summer commenced the start of the rest of our lives together.

There were 3 days left of Summer Vacation. I had spent the entire Summer in California and had a fabulous time. David took me out to dinner at Giorgio's, one of our favorite Italian restaurants. The food there is wonderful and the atmosphere is very romantic. David ordered my favorite wine (he rarely drinks white) and as we talked he grinned at me with those dimples and his eyes sparkled. At the end of the meal he got down on one knee and took the ring out of his pocket and proposed right there on the spot. Within seconds I was down on the floor with him. I laughed and hugged him and kissed his face. I was so excited! I tried on and admired my gorgeous ring..and David asked, "You took the ring. Does that mean you are going to say 'Yes'?"

After Wendy accepted my proposal, we finished our dessert and readied for a romantic walk by the lake behind the restaurant. I had planned the evening as a private moment, for just the two of us to share. So as we stood to leave the restaurant, I was very surprised by the table next to us. They congratulated us, wished us the best of luck and success, and reminded us that marriage is a combination of love and effort. They told us to treasure this night as the start of the rest of our lives together. As great as our personal moment felt, I was further touched how others were compelled to share in the joy of our engagement.