We can thank Lisa’s nephew, Jason, for bringing Paul and Lisa together! Lisa filled in for her sister, Nikki, during her maternity leave at the IL Tollway. When they first met, Paul felt an instant attraction and Lisa was clueless. She thought, like most of her consulting gigs, she was temporary help and would move on to the next project when Nikki returned to work. Paul asked Lisa out to lunch on a Wednesday, which was followed by a dinner the following Friday. Lisa didn’t even realize it was a date until halfway through the evening. However, As the evening progressed, Lisa heard a voice whisper in her ear saying, “You know you are spending the evening with your future husband!” Little did she know the voice was right! Lisa realized that night, Paul had all the qualities in a person she had been searching for her entire life. The rest, as they say, was history. Lisa and Paul have been inseparable ever since; sharing hopes, dreams, laughter, and love! Thanks, Jason!

The weekend before Valentine’s Day, Lisa asked Paul if he had any plans for their first Valentine’s day. He asked if it would be better to go out the following weekend and Lisa said nooooooooo....it was their first and it should be special (She didn’t know how special it would be)! Paul said, “Message received” and promptly made dinner reservations. Fast forward to Valentine’s Day eve...Paul went to ask Lisa’s Dad for her hand in marriage. Paul was so nervous he accidentally proposed to her mother...he said, “John, I want to ask your permission for Debbie’s hand in marriage, please don’t tell Lisa.” Lisa’s Dad replied, “I don’t think I approve of that.” Paul realized what he said and they both laughed and John gave his approval. Paul gave absolutely no hints or clues whatsoever leading up to that day. In fact, Valentine’s day Friday was like any other Friday; they worked together, had lunch together, even drove to work together. Lisa had no idea Paul was planning a night to remember! Paul made a reservation at a restaurant that his grandparents and parents used to go to called Tom’s Steak house. He took Lisa for a little tour of the neighborhood where he grew up, reminiscing about walking to his grandparents house on weekends. He even showed her where his grandparents lived. What Paul didn’t know was there was a slight grandparent connection. Lisa’s grandfather used to go to a restaurant called Tom’s near her childhood home on a regular basis. Fate? Maybe. In the restaurant, Paul was quiet and waiting for the right opportunity to pop the question. Lisa leaned in and grabbed Paul’s hand and said, “I hope this is the first of many Valentine days together.” Paul replied, “I can almost guarantee it.” With that, he pulled out a ring and proposed (Lisa thought he was joking when he reached into his pocket!)! Everyone says the food at Tom’s is spectacular, but don’t ask Lisa! She was too overcome with shock, joy, and happiness to eat!