#BoyMeetsGale

This isn't your typical girl, or boy, next door story; or, maybe it is. Yes, Becca and Jon have known each other since they were in their most awkward middle school years; but, this love would not blossom until they matured and stumbled into the adult versions of those teens. Much like the story of the ugly duckling, they could only find each other after transforming into beautiful swans. Actually, let's be honest, it was just Jon that needed to grow out of that awkward phase. What was he thinking with that long hair?! After graduating from The University of Arizona, Jon moved back to the East Coast to pursue his TV producing aspirations and started working in Midtown West. Becca was finishing her degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology and working for a jewelry designer in the East Village. On many occasions, Jon would take 2 trains to visit Becca and sit in the jewelry store until she closed the shop. Once off work, drinks turned into dinner, and dinner into movies. Denying their love to themselves, friends and family knew there was something more. It was only a matter of time until these naive kids fell for each other. 8 years (almost to the day of their first date), 3 apartments, and 1 adorable dog later, Becca and Jon will finally make their relationship honest.

Friends, the morning of Saturday, March 10th, Becca was enjoying a new book, in a pedicure chair, of a new city, blocks away from their new apartment. There was a lot of new! After some chapters and polish, Jon and happy little Harley, bundled in their winter coats, picked Becca up for a walk along the pier. As the trio approached the water, wind picked up - it was freakin' cold - yet, they carried on! Once on the pier, Jon led his girls over to a carefully selected spot overlooking downtown Manhattan; the Colgate Clock. With the love of his life under one arm, and the other one barking at the crashing waves, Jon knelt down and proposed! The couple cherish this moment through photos captured by the stealthy photographer that Jon arranged. One impromptu photoshoot later, the three zoomed back to their apartment, eager to call all of their family and friends with the news. Once there, Becca was surprised to open the door to all 4 parents yelling, "Congratulations!!" Beaming with happiness, each had their cameras out and their arms open to welcome the newly engaged couple. Wanting to take advantage of potential sunset photos, Becca suggested they move the celebration to the building's top floor, which sports an observatory overlooking Jersey City, the Statue of Liberty, and downtown Manhattan. With a brief tour underway, the happy couple floated towards the bar and game room. Becca stepped forward unexpectedly while Jon flung the curtains open to expose a bunch of their friends and siblings yelling, "Surprise!! Happy Birthday!!" Jon, then, proudly announced the REAL reason he had called them together, "She said yes!" They celebrated into the night surrounded by more love and champagne than two people should be allowed to have. *Author's note: THANK YOU, Jon, for accomplishing the most romantic and well thought out proposal in history! You fill our little trio with happiness <3