We're getting married!

2021 was the year that would change everything! The last three years had shaped a beautiful friendship. We were part of the 3 Amigos after all (along with Ken). In October though, Paul would take the step to ask Mary for a first date - and the rest is history! At first we were both nervous to date, we'd been such good friends and what if things didn't work out? We didn't want to mess up a good thing but we both knew we had to give it a shot. Through the ups and downs one thing has remained constant - the desire and choice to remain each other's rock and to continuously chase a love we've never experienced. We'd finally found the best friend, soulmate, and confidant we'd longed for. Although an unconventional love story, we continue to make new memories and choose life together. Thank you for being part of our story. Fun facts about us: We love to dance! You're likely to find us dancing in the middle of a restaurant when one of our favorite songs come on. We dance like no one is watching! We love to karaoke together - which often leads laughs and making fun of one another. Date nights are mandatory for us! We often impulsively decide a date night is needed after a hard day or just in the need to connect. Some of our most memorable date nights are staying in and playing cards while putting bets on whoever loses! We love our children! They always have been and always will be top priority in our lives.

Paul got bitten by the "romance" bug at some point. He started with a surprise date to a Blue Jays game. The fun and excitement of not knowing what he had planned was awesome - I loved it. It'd be no different in June 2024 when an invitation for a date came into my calendar. I was so excited - what did he have planned this time? He'd booked a random day off work for a full day date - I was stoked! I made sure to put on my best make up, curl my hair and dress up - not knowing what to expect. As we headed down the highway I tried my best to guess what we were doing and get it out of him but he wouldn't budge. Finally, we pulled up to a spa - I was elated, he'd bought a gift certificate for my birthday which was two months before - finally we were using it! From the time we walked in the spa staff made us feel like celebrities. We got into our fancy robes and began our fancy pedicure complete with roses in the water. Next we'd walk into the massage room. But this massage room was different. There were what seemed like hundreds of roses everywhere with a bath drawn. I was shocked I couldn't believe he'd planned this. As we walk to the bath I notice more roses in the water as well as chocolate covered strawberries (my favorite) and champagne. The aroma therapy added to the ambiance. We sat together laughing and cherishing this special moment. Then it was time for massages. The massage therapists come in the room and Paul turns to me - face beet red with a piece of paper in his hand. At first I was concerned and confused, thinking maybe the bath had been too hot for him and he wasn't feeling well (lol) then I thought maybe he was about to give the rundown of my health history and that's why he had the paper...I was wrong. Tears began to weld up in his eyes and he began to say the sweetest words I'd ever heard. I was so confused - why was he doing this for my birthday, it kind of seemed over the top (lol). Before I knew it he asked me to marry him and pulled out the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen. I felt like I was going to faint but I was so happy and all I could mutter out was "heck yah" as I began to cry. There'd been so much I'd been through. I never thought anyone as good as him would choose me - and especially to make the commitment to marriage to me. I was broken yet somehow in that moment I was falling back together. I knew I would never be alone again, I'd never be hurt again, I'd never have to feel "not good enough" again. It was the best moment in my life - to know he chose me, forever. I was so madly in love with him and he was with me. We finished off the morning with our massages before celebrating in typical Paul & Mary fashion by having a beer and celebratory shot of tequila. I saw a sign later that day that said "I still remember the days I prayed for everything I have now," it couldn't have summed up how I felt better. Paul truly is an answer to my prayers - I love knowing he will always be by my side and give me the love I've always desired.