Roger and Arie met while riding the bus to school during their sophmore year of high school. Roger had recently moved to Mount Vernon and it just so happened that they became neighbors. They started talking due to their mutual love of sci-fi movies and superheroes. One day, Roger came up with the idea to trick everyone (since they didn't have any mutual friends at the time) and "pretend to date" for a week. That week, they spent all of their time together, called each other constantly and really thought people were "convinced"... best joke ever! It turned out that they knew NOTHING about one another (not even last names??) and it ended up being one of the most fun weeks they had ever had. Once it was over they both knew there was something special there and were even encouraged by their friends to actually see where things go. They were on the phone that night and at the same time they both said "what if we did this for real?" and so they did! Eleven years later and they're still getting to know eachother every day <3
Roger and Arie had planned a trip to Chicago to attend Aquashella (an aquarium convention). After the convention they planned to stay in the city for a few days and do some sightseeing. Roger had secretly planned to have a photographer follow them around as they visited the Buckingham Fountain on the lake. Just as they rounded the front of the fountain, facing the city, Roger bent down to "tie his shoe" and pulled out the ring!! He asked Arie to marry him and (of course) she said yes! At that moment a huge gust of wind blew, soaking both of them with water from the fountain. That was when Arie turned and realized there was a man taking photos of the whole time!! They were able to take pictures all around Chicago and had the absolute best day ever!
Arie and Roger plan to exchange their vows in a private ceremony. They are thrilled to have all of their family and friends together for their receiption to celebrate their marriage at the zoo!