The venue was crowded with '90s/'00s music fan. Tom and a couple friends were standing a few feet back from the stage, enjoying the music as the concert got started with some Uncle Kracker hits. He was jet lagged, having just returned to Boston after a long week vacationing with friends in CA and was hoping for a low key night with some throwback music. So there he stood, sipping a Narragansett Lager and trying to stay awake as the second band took the stage. And that's when he saw her. Sarah had been looking forward to the concert for weeks. She had been listening to the song "Fly" like a broken record. Her path to the stage was hard pressed by a sea of shoulders - but nothing was going to get in the way of her and the front row when Sugar Ray took the stage. Breathing in the excitement of the room, she and her college friends nudged their way to the front, brushing past her future husband without a second glance. He tried to get her attention with a silly joke and was thoroughly ignored…but if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. After a few more attempts to strike up a conversation he got a bite. Soon they were dancing to "All Star" by Smash Mouth, chatting at the bar, and exchanging numbers. Someone was craving mac & cheese and so, while Blues Traveler harmonica solos echoed throughout, they stepped outside into the warm summer night and found a late night snack. Tom was quick to text her the next day and invited her on a date later that week. Over the next couple months they got to know each other and on Halloween weekend he mustered up the courage to properly ask her to be his girlfriend. They were sitting on the floor like two crazy kids emptying out their Halloween candy, but instead it was crab rangoons from the best Mexican-Chinese restaurant that Southie had to offer. Sarah, dressed as the queen of hearts, had a decision to make - but the cards revealed they were two of a kind after looking at Tom dressed up in cupcake feety pajamas.

Once again, Tom had just returned from California. This time he had been with Sarah's family in the mountains above San Francisco Bay, and on that mountain he had been granted permission to ask a question. A week later, he was in the car journeying to Northern Maine with the St. Peter clan, in search of an answer. The first day was a game of competitive golf, but it was far too hot. The next day it was cold and raining. So on the third and final day he was eager to pull open any door he could that would lead to an opportunity. He had suggested a hike, to which Sarah remarked, "But Tom, there are moose and bears in these woods." Her parents suggested for them to go on a bike ride with the promise of it leading to a beautiful overlook. They reached the end only to find an uninviting dead-end. Tom then said he was curious to explore the area and find a lunch spot, hoping it would lead to a moment alone. Sarah, perceptive as a blind bat, extended the invitation to her parents and grandmother. Her Mom and Dad looked at one another, "Do you want us to come?" "Yes, of course," she replied. Tom, quick to his feet, proposed that they take separate cars because he needed more "leg room," and wanted to hurry back for a canoe ride. Scurrying out the door after lunch, they hopped back onto the country roads. As they approached the empty St. Peter family camp, '90s music auspiciously came on the radio and they sang along as they had so many times. Tom saw the canoe and visions of dropping the ring into the the lake flashed across his brain, so he pivoted. "Come stand outside and look at the lake with me" he urged. And so there they were, on the shores of Lake Madawaska. Tom, a bundle of nerves, got on his knee and Sarah, going through ALL the emotions, arrived at the word "YES!" They jumped up and down. Tom gracefully twisted an ankle but laughter and joy came quickly to first aid. FINALLY.... the canoe ride. And off they went, ready for an adventure. :-)

We could not think of anywhere more perfect to get married than at "Casa Peligro" (Spanish for Hazard House), where Tom's great-grandparents and grandparents (The Hazards) have lived for almost 70 years - although there was a certain gas station that was a close second. His grandmother, Sue, has so kindly offered to host us all and we couldn't be more honored. Sue and Tom's late grandfather Walt have put in unmeasurable amounts of work to create this special home where year after year the Hazard/Waldman clan (and Sarah too!) have been able to gather and spend time together forming strong family bonds, and so it is so special that we are able to share it with all of you while we bond our two families together. Can't wait to see you all there! Thanks 'Ma Sue!