I have spent the better part of my adult life leading people in some capacity. It has given me an inflated (just being honest) sense of self confidence and has also hardened me to criticism and doubt. In my opinion, if you wish to be a great leader, you have to give up the luxury of second guessing yourself. Emily however, helped to utterly destroy any ideas I had about myself in this regard when we met. We met at work and at first, it was a brief introduction, followed by a few weeks of very minimal interaction. Romantic..I know. But as I got to know her I started noticing small things about her more. Like the way her smile made me smile (not something I'm known for in the kitchen) or how I would start looking for her to arrive when I knew she would be working. When I finally worked up the courage to ask her to dinner, I could never find the right moment. I didn't want to corner her at work, or ask her in front of our coworkers. After a few days of searching for the right moment, I decided to message her on Facebook. And that is when my self confidence was burnt to a crisp. Emily didn't respond for three...whole...days. After the first day I thought, maybe she was just busy and that it wasn't a big deal. But as time continued to pass, I started to get anxious and nervous. Had I been too forward? Had I completely creeped her out by asking her to have dinner on Facebook?? Maybe she didn't like me? I was filled with doubt and dread, and before she even responded to me I realized that this might be something special. I hadn't really experienced someone breaking me down like that before I had a chance to even sit with them and talk. Eventually she responded and apologized saying she hadn't actually seen my message and we set up a sushi date and the rest is mostly public knowledge. I often find myself reflecting on how Emily has impacted my life and my personality. I can't thank you enough for helping me grow and become more positive. I love you Emily -Ben-

As many of you know, Ben and I met at his restaurant Ollie and Hobbes. I decided to apply as a server on a whim for a part-time time job over summer break. During training, my coworkers told me not to bother Chef Ben -- he's all business and doesn't like dealing with server problems - oh, and never call him Ben, just "Chef." So for several weeks I basically ignored Ben and focused on surviving my first serving job. After a while though we started to talk, joke, and compare cat stories. I definitely noticed him coming out of the kitchen to hang out in the server station way more often :) I also realized that my stomach filled with butterflies when I pulled up to work and saw his Jeep. If you read his perspective above, you know that I accidentally ignored him asking me out for 3 days...he makes sure to tease me about that to this day. On our first date, I felt an immediate connection and an ease about how we interacted. Ben's confidence, skill, and humor initially attracted me to him; but his perspective, affection, and thoughtfulness led me to fall deep in love. I have never met anyone that has made me feel so beautiful and as appreciated as Ben. I can't imagine having a better partner in life and I'm so excited to build our future together. Thank you Ben for everything you've done for me - I can't wait to be your wife! I love you! Love, Em