A true SmAlbany love story! In hindsight, Jonathan and Mackenzie could have met as toddlers at the snack bar or kiddie pool at Albany Country Club sometime between 1996 and 1999. For the official record, it was on June 16, 2018 when Mackenzie's childhood friend, Leigh Metzger, invited her to join an extended group of her new boyfriend's Bethlehem-area friends at Mountain Jam, a big tent musical extravaganza at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills. There, Mackenzie, back in the 518 for the summer working for the New York State Attorney General after her first year at Villanova Law School, was introduced to Jonathan Clark, a Siena alum who was working for BBL. The two soon found themselves striking up a friendship during softball games and Saratoga outings that first fabled summer. Shortly before Mackenzie returned to school, Jonathan mustered the courage to ask her out to dinner at Navona Restaurant in Albany. When she returned that night to share details of her date, her mother's initial response was invariably consistent with the SmAlbany vibe, "I think I know his mother." Four years later, following wonderful memories in their favorite places (Lake George, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Kennebunkport, Newburyport, Newport, Saratoga, and Philadelphia, just to name a few) a dear friend's wedding in Lake Tahoe provided the perfect backdrop for Jonathan's carefully orchestrated proposal--a sunny and crisp morning, a perfect day for a hike up Snow Valley Peak, near Carson City, Nevada. For the weeks leading up to the proposal, Jonathan not only had to strategically inform family and friends of his plans to pop the question, but he also had to travel across the country with an engagement ring in tow. Thankfully, both the ring and the secret of the ensuing engagement were safely kept. Once they reached the deserted summit, Jonathan reached into his backpack and extracted two items: his Iphone and a small box. After setting the timer on his camera for a selfie, his knee hit the ground. To say Mackenzie was surprised is an understatement. What ensued was a whirlwind of hugs, kisses, and FaceTimes in celebration of the soon to be wed! The best part about gathering in Manchester, VT during peak leaf peeping season this October is to celebrate our once upon a time with family and friends. We hope to see you there!