Time: Jun 4, 2022 04:55 PM Central Time Join Zoom Meeting (Copy the link and paste in your browser) https://us04web.zoom.us/j/77268273277?pwd=VTvvtipZ-Q0k1DxP-Kikc20o8g97bK.1 Meeting ID: 772 6827 3277 Passcode: MJ22

Had Justin known he’d be meeting his future partner that night, he’d have dressed for the occasion. Luckily, he was already wearing a suit. After ushering for a play at Theatre Lawrence, he arrived at his pal Dylan’s house with a sack full of Burger King. The first thing Dylan said was, “Now, there is a girl in there who is pretty and single, so don’t go mess this up.” Justin promptly sat on the carpet and stuffed his face with a Whopper. Then he saw a gorgeous, glowing, blonde in a pretty dress laughing next to his other friend, Lena. Enter, Marguerite - A long time friend of Lena’s from high school. The two had been out celebrating Marg’s birthday (which is one day before Justin’s) and had enough social lubricant in them to make Justin seem semi-charming. Justin, clearly smitten, talked with Marg all evening. Marg said she played violin, Justin admitted to loving the band “Yellowcard” because they use electric violin. Marguerite cringed, turned away, and announced to no one in particular, “THIS WILL NEVER WORK!” That statement may be the very reason they are together today. Since Marg would be leaving the country for nearly three years, they decided to go on a casual date - hiking around Clinton lake where they caught a glorious night sky sprinkled with bright stars. No matter how “casual” they tried to make it, their relationship became deeper and more meaningful than either of them had experienced before or since. Then, Marguerite was gone. The two wrote letters and messages but, as expected, drifted apart, becoming just good friends. As an attempt of closure, Justin wrote Marguerite a lengthy email wishing her the best with her new path. Somehow, in this email, unbeknownst to Justin, Marguerite fell in love with him. When Marg returned home, she visited Justin, where they realized once again while looking at the stars, that this thing they shared was meant for more.

It wasn’t a matter of "if", but how and when. Blame it on a life in the theatre or watching too much TV, but Justin put his imagination to work trying to create a memorable proposal. Thanks to the help of some very kind people and a group of incredibly patient, respectful and courteous campers, they made a magical moment for Marguerite and Justin both. Even though, leading up to the moment, there were folks nervous that Justin had involved so many moving parts and people with the chance that Marguerite may change her mind, and say "no". July 31st, ("Harry Potter's Birthday!" - Marg), Justin wrapped the camp’s two-story wooden observation tower with fairy lights until it glowed from afar. A musical staffer, kindly agreed to learn the piano music for one of Marg and Justin’s songs, “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds. Justin’s brother along with his girlfriend, Morgan, wrangled the campers and kidnapped Marguerite. Morgan bamboozled Marg into her car, blindfolded, and drove Marg to the observation tower. In front of the glowing tower were two lines of campers holding torches and peach roses. As Marguerite walked through the row of campers, they bowed and handed her roses until she reached a staircase, candles leading up to the top floor where Justin stood in a suit, waiting for her arrival. As the music played below, Justin explained that this was the very spot, upon her return from Africa, that they both knew they were destined for more. Here, Justin saw his first shooting star and made a wish - a wish for Marguerite to find her happiness here in the states with him. Then, the kneeling and proposing, followed by the “yes!” and happy tears. In the background, a star map displayed the night sky of the time and location of the night Justin saw his shooting star. An unforgettable moment for both Justin and Marguerite, thanks to being suckers for cheesy-romantic gestures and the kindness of friends.