They'd known each other for years before bumping into one another at Jacob Riis beach. Kevin played it super cool until a week later when he asked Tess to meet him at The Wythe Hotel. He was "swimming in a martini," wearing a white suit. She was sunkissed and sunflower-eyed. They laughed and laughed and laughed. They painted the town until the sky was light. He asked her to sing with The Crooners. She agreed to attend "band practice" the following day. T Rex arrived in a Marc Bolan t-shirt to find Kevin playing Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers on a swing set, two wine glasses at his side. What band? Tess was putty. Kevin was smitten. He kissed her. She kissed him back. It was on. It's been on ever since.

The scariest part for Kevin was sitting with Adam, waiting for Kristian to join him at The NoMad for dinner. The ring was bought, the scheme already planned -- all he really had left to do was ask the father of the bride for his little girl's hand in marriage. That made him think all kinds of things that gave him the shivers. First: there's no turning back after you ask Dad. Second: he thought about what it would mean for Kristian, who put his whole heart into loving and nurturing Tess, helping her become the whip-smart, gorgeous young woman she is. Kevin would be skeptical of any guy if he was her Dad. Eventually, the trio had enough tasty beverages for Kevin to shake the edge. The question came out, and Kristian was obviously overjoyed to welcome this man into his family. Then came the surprise: everyone was in on the plan but Tess, of course. Under the guise of a Birth-o-ween Concert Extravaganza, Kevin was able to invite everyone they loved to Pete's Candy Store to witness not only a cool rock show, but also to share in one of the biggest moments of their lives. He handed Guidara a bottle of Dom Perignon and said, "When the question pops, make it rain." The duo strummed out Dusty Springfield and Warren Zevon. The room was electric, and Tess was oblivious to the fact that Kevin's entire life savings was burning a hole in his jacket pocket. As they rounded out the last song of the set, Kevin introduced the band members: A.J., Gabe, Titanium Cranium Tim. When he got to Tess, it was less of an introduction and more of a declaration. He got on one knee. She threatened to throw up on him. They kissed. She said yes. It was heaven. Then it rained champagne, and the pair celebrated in a sea of love.

Our wedding will be the culmination of what we value most: our lifetime of close friendships, decades of family tradition, an obsession with good food and drink, and our very own very lucky love story. Cape Cod, and particularly Kalmar Village (a second home to the Rexes) is incredibly special to us. There will be beach olympics on the National Seashore. There will be late night dune tours. There will be "drive-in" movie night, bonfire singalongs, and drag queen karaoke. And - oh yes - there will be nuptials. We can't wait to share this perfectly wild wonderland with you, and we REALLY can't wait to say "I do!" in front of the people we love more than anything in the world.