It’s hard to define a true starting point to our love story. We shared the same group of friends in high school and became close friends throughout those formative years. Then, as often going away to college does to friends, there was a year or so in which we lost touch. However, our paths crossed again in the Summer of 2006, when we became coworkers at a local restaurant. Having a friend and familiar face around the workplace makes the job easier. As we both found ourselves looking forward to work (and it certainly wasn’t the wages that made us want to go) it only made sense for us to begin spending time outside of the hot kitchen. Our first “official” date is still debated to this day, however, the frequency of our time together outside of work increased and that as summer drew to a close, we realized we both were really falling for one another.

We both knew that long distance relationships weren’t the easiest , but when it really came down to it, in our hearts we knew that even a weekend or two together would be 1000 times better than everyday without each other. After a lot of compromises, many miles and tanks of gas and quite a few overage charges on our cell phone bills, we developed a strong foundation to build our relationship upon.

On a temperate November evening (the 22nd to be exact), after Ohio State beat Michigan (one of us would call it an absolute domination) we headed out to downtown Willoughby for dinner and a date night. To walk off the heavy dessert, we decided to head over to the quaint park and gazebo right up the street, one of our favorite places to steal a few moments away from the world and simply be together. While gazing at the church across the street and the movement of the cars and people around us, Tim quietly and secretly pulled out a small box that contained a gorgeous ring. After a few heartfelt “I love you’s” and kisses on the top of the head (April’s head of course, there’s no way to reach the top of Tim’s) he sweetly asked “Will you marry me?” Caught completely off-guard and surprised, it took April a few moments to truly comprehend the proposal.  However, with complete devotion and genuine meaning, April said “Yes of course I’ll marry you Timmy.”

Since then we’ve been busy working, graduating from college and planning a wedding. For the rest of the story, you’ll have to join us as we begin the next chapter in May 2010.