It is a great debate as to whether or not this date in fact meets the definitional criteria of a blind date. They had both seen pictures of one another but had never met. That being said Vanguard’s resident matchmakers – Lauren Bleakney and Chris Carr – had been on a campaign to set up Vanguard’s most eligible bachelor and bachelorette. Alex made the first move with a flirtatious, “let’s get drinks” but with no name. To which Anita responded, “who dis?” After confirming with Lauren that this was in fact that Alex, they met up at T.J.’s – the standard Vanguard happy hour location. They separately made their escape plans worried that this blind date could be a terrible idea. Alex had planned for one beer at the bar and a work emergency. Anita’s escape plan was for Elyse to call with a crisis and for her to make a smooth exit. Much to their surprise – one drink led to two to five and some guac. He had passed the toothpaste test. When Anita asked Alex about his hobbies, he hedged, he beat around the bush and finally admitted to his deepest darkest secret… he loves cross fit. Needless to say, their humor was compatible and their personalities complimentary. He thought she was impressive. She thought he was hot as hell and could use a cat.

Because this is their story, we need to talk about their first cat: Axel Rose Alonso-Kilambi. Alex didn’t want pets, Anita convinced him otherwise. Alex was annoyed about Axel’s exuberance and the damage to his furniture. Eventually, Axel wore Alex down keeping in the great Kilambi tradition. Now Alex can be found baby talking, grooming, snuggling, cuddling, and over-feeding Axel.

When asked why he decided to marry Anita, Alex said, “The decision to marry Anita wasn’t a single moment, but a series of moments.” Maybe it was the time that Anita made Alex feel comfortable being a scarecrow for Halloween. Maybe it was when they went to Italy and convinced each other to push their comfort zones. Maybe it was how Anita pretended to like sports for the first year and now is committed to not caring. It could have been the way that Anita uncovered Alex’s unbridled passion for reality tv. Maybe it was seeing how well Anita fit in with Alex’s family. Or maybe it was Anita’s ability to live in the moment. Anita knew he was the one a year in. She always wanted a partner who cared for her parents. A year into Alex and Anita dating, Alex hung out with Anita’s mother during Govind’s wedding -- he treated her just like a friend. He thoughtfully volunteered to shovel the snow for Anita’s dad after a blizzard. He has taken the time to learn and participate in Anita’s culture. Alex has always provided Anita with a safe haven. He reminds her that sometimes she needs to rest, recharge, and meditate. He meets Anita where she is at – awkward, obsessed with whodunnit mysteries, and sometimes a little too in to Harry Potter. Four years into their relationship… it was time to pop the question.

Covid foiled a few plans—a proposal in Longwood Gardens and a proposal in center city. Finally, Alex wanted to propose during a picnic under the full moon because he is like really into the moon… Anita pre-empted the plan by falling for his smoke screen to hide the true proposal in a few days… something about supply chain issues. She was annoyed and heading home when Alex – living in the moment – ran upstairs and came down to drop on one knee. She asked, “is this a joke?” He said, “No” She said, “Yes” They have since gotten another cat – Dobby Alonso-Kilambi-- and they look forward to sharing their love story with you on June 25th.