We suppose that in our case, 'blood, sweat and tears' was the literal path we took towards finding each other. On our individual quests to better ourselves, we ended up in the right place at the right time. After a week of blood (in the form of blisters), sweat (in the form of A LOT of sweat) and tears (in the form of a saltwater pool and some emotional group chats), we stayed up a little late one night to talk and look at the stars. Many texts and a few phone calls later, we met at the New York State Fair and determined that 333 miles wasn't enough to keep us apart!

Over the last few years we had made it through three moves and a major gut renovation, and both of us knew we were destined for a life-long commitment. Dave being a traditional fellow and a gentleman went to Sherry's mom, Barbara, with his intention to marry her daughter. She was overjoyed, and also shared that she had a very special gift to offer us - the very same ring Sherry's father had used to propose to her. Shortly after this we had plans to attend an Elton John concert, one of the few artists we both agree on and sing with wild abandon on long trips up to Rochester together. The night of the concert being upon us, Dave gave both Moms the heads-up that tonight was the night. After planning to ask her during a specific song, and realizing the logistics of narrow rows and music cranking wouldn't work, Dave slyly asked Sherry to take a photo with him against the background of the stage from the aisle. As we were comfy and settled in our seats, who knew that getting her to get up to go to the aisle would take so much convincing? Dave gave the usher her camera, and whispered to the usher that this was a proposal so get a good shot. Dave attempted to go to one knee in the aisle, but Sherry kept stepping down without looking at him, because she was trying to adjust for the photo. After some confusion, she realized that he was getting on one knee. The usher was great about getting a ton of pictures and even shot a video, capturing Sherry's confused, shocked, and happy reaction. Barbara actually was with us for the concert but missed the whole thing, but she was able to share in the joy and excitement once we pushed our way back to our seats past a lot of cheering and supportive strangers. Capstone of the night was the newly betrothed couple swaying together, and belting out the tunes while filled with their continued Joy. "How Wonderful Life is When You’re in the World.."