Mark and Laurie met on Match.com after she liked his picture first. (this continues to be a debate even today)  After she liked his photo he messaged her and from there it went. They decided after days of messaging to finally meet for dinner where in person they spent hours talking, sharing a pazoke. The messaging continued as they learned more about each other. The next date was dinner and top golf where they had lots of fun, flirtatious teasing each other about their golf skills and ended the night with a kiss in the rain. Many dates followed and they became exclusive a month later. Finally they found someone they could be themselves around, laugh crazily with and just be genuinely happy with. The rest they say is history!

On September 26, 2020 Mark had a plan. After many months of being cooped up and not able to do anything due to the pandemic Mark planned a date night. We got dressed up, he chose the outfit for me to wear and out we went to see the worst movie ever! There were 2 other people there and although it was awful,  we were out and together. Afterwards we ran odd errands (wasting time while plans were unfolding). Along our way home Mark showed me a nice place at a park, thinking of a future picture spot. Walking along the path there was a gazebo set up w netting and lights (malfunctions and all) as he walked me under and dropped down to one knee and asked me to marry him. All 5 of our children were there to witness and be a part of this. They had been hiding in bushes and behind trees. What a surprise! After our photo session we headed home where as we are pulling down our street he exclaims to have invited a "few" friends over. We open the front door to numerous friends and family, our home decorated, food and goodies laid out and a bunch of grins. Laurie's daughter Melanie did an amazing job planning and decorating, making our cupcakes and beautiful  cake and just overall orchestrating the party for us and with the help from others, it was amazing. You can see our engagement here.. https://youtu.be/_0kLrVja33w