Gettin' Blitzed!

December 2013: Marlena signed up for Birthright (mainly to escape the cold of New York City, but also to revisit one of her favorite countries: Israel); Jason signed up to lead Birthright (between his transition moving from California to New York to share his love for a country he had previously lived)... and so, they met, at the VERY romantic, not-at-all hectic, John F. Kennedy Airport before boarding their twelve hour flight on El Al. The trip was everything and more that you'd expect from Birthright--a beautiful overview of the country, many memorable tours and meals and a wonderful bonding opportunity for the group...but after the ten days, Jason and Marlena flew back to New York gave each other hugs and said their goodbyes.... from there, they hung out periodically frequenting the fine establishments of Jacob's Pickles, the Belfry, having a few too many margaritas at Vamos!... a few years after meeting, Jason invited Marlena to a party. After many Moscow Mules and deep conversation about Marlena's favorite book (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay,) they started dating. Within a few weeks of dating, they met each other's parents.... and the rest... as they say.... is history!

After a few months of prodding, Jason promised Marlena an engagement was coming in May. After picking out the ring and eliciting the support of Tamara and David (Mar's parents with an NJ address for no sales tax,) it was decided they were to drop off the ring on May 1st. Marlena had it in her head that the engagement was coming on May 4th (since J had had her clear her schedule)...so when she was asked to attend one of Jason's work events the night of May 1st, she thought nothing of it. She met Jason at Del Frisco's for the "Salesforce Dinner" where he was on the phone talking to "Carolyn Smith" (his faux contact for this event-really he was on the phone with himself.) When she arrived, Jas told her the event had been changed to Bar 65 due to timing issues. She said "Oh, isn't that part of the Rainbow Room?" Jason innocently said, "Is it?" (Marlena's parents got married in the Rainbow Room almost 30 years ago, so it holds a special place in her heart.) He gave her the ring to hold before going to coat check and then the two went to the Rainbow Room.... After the concierge tried to seat M&J at a table for two, there was some confusion..."Where's the rest of the group?" asked Mar. They went back to the concierge who acknowledged his "mistake" and asked that the couple wait for the rest of the party. Then Jason suggested they look for a place to take a picture...they roamed the Rainbow Room. "Why don't you call Carolyn?" Mar said... "Let's go back to the host," said Jason. When they returned back to the stand J asked the host to take a photo of the two of them by the view. They walked over to take a picture when Mar realized Jason's heart was beating out of his chest. Before she knew it, he was down on one knee... they both know she said yes and they kissed, but don't remember all the details.. from there, they were met with Champagne and after a few minutes of happy tears and Mar acknowledging J had perfectly surprised her, Tamara and David walked in to celebrate!

Marlena works in the wine & spirits industry as a Marketing and Communications Manager at a renowned industry B2B website & publication. Jason is Senior Product Manager and Systems Analyst at a cutting edge private aviation company. Booze & luxury... what a pair!