After randomly deciding to go to a gym on Route 1 that he never went to before Kevin decided to stop at a Starbucks next door. Ceci on her way home from work happened to stop there, as well. A brief meeting at the counter along the front window led to a light-hearted conversation. And from that conversation led to a first date in Asbury Park, where they formed a common connection that grew further as they walked along the boardwalk, stopped at various shops, and spent a very long two hours in an antique shop. During the date they shared their outlooks on life, core values, and similar family histories with each other. It was a very special day for both of them.
As their relationship grew after that first date, Ceci and Kevin realized that their affection, devotion, and respect for each other were unshakable. This led to many adventures together. Trips to see family in Arizona and Long Island, dancing at friend's parties in Allentown, being awed by the Mayan Pyramids in Belize, visiting dear friends in Toronto, sipping wine in the Douro Valley in Portugal, cruises to Bermuda and Mexico, or just spending time with each other's friends at Monmouth Park or at local restaurants made one thing undeniable---that they strengthened each other not only as partners, but as people.
But there was one more adventure.......
Arriving during the Olympics the city was vibrant and alive adding to their excitement. As Ceci and Kevin explored the Latin Quarter, Notre-Dame, Moulin Rouge, the Seine, and Versailles Palace they both knew this was a trip of a lifetime.
On Ceci's birthday they visited the most magical section of Paris-Montmarte. With Sacre-Coeur Basilica, it's quaint shops, bustling artist conclave and old-time Paris feel, it was a special start to Ceci's birthday. At brunch, at a sleepy cafe the waiter, as he was serving a "Birthday Crepe" with candles, gathered a group of 25 tourists to sing "Happy Birthday" to a blushing Ceci. It was a moment neither will ever forget.
As the day progressed, they prepared for Ceci's birthday dinner. As the sun was setting Ceci and Kevin arrived at the Eiffel Tower to celebrate at Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. Celebrating Ceci's birthday with fine French cuisine was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as was being inside the tower as the famous Eiffel Tower light show began. As the dinner progressed with amazing French cuisine, a phenomenal waitstaff, and a sunset which will never be forgotten Kevin grew more and more nervous. Ceci's birthday cake, which resembled a work of art, arrived and it tasted as good as it looked. After the cake, Kevin's nervousness subsided and was replace with serenity because it was time for him to profess his everlasting love---he asked Ceci to marry him.
Immediately, and before Ceci could answer, Kevin saw the answer in her eyes and smile, and then she said "yes". They spent the next hour on the observation deck totally mesmerized with each other
