How We Came to Be

After reading all about our backgrounds, you may be wondering what brought a boy from Maui and a girl from Colorado to the altar. Look no further for your answer!

I was offered a job at a new accounting firm in August 2002. I was thrilled to finally find a firm that offered both challenging tax returns to prepare and a family-style work environment. This new location made it possible to meet my friend Sarah for lunch more often, too. One day at lunch, we discussed that Sarah's current job had a deal with a gym that was right by my work. Since I was reaching the end of my current gym membership, a gym a little closer to work and home where I'd also be able to spend time more time with my friend sounded like a good thing to check out! We decided to take a look and after some pretty decent selling on the part of a sales counselor, we joined!

As part of our membership, we (and Sarah's mom who'd also joined in) each would receive 2 free sessions with a personal trainer. I didn't want to go alone so I tagged along with Sarah and her mom who were meeting with a trainer named "'Rocco." I was sure Rocco would be a muscle-bound meathead (or a mob hitman!). Fortunately for us both, I was wrong - "Rocco" just happened to be a trainer that I had seen previously and who had made a positive impression (in other words I thought he was quite a cutie) from afar on previous trips to the gym!

After this first session, we three decided to each have our own second session. MeLissa enjoyed having Rocco aka Mark all to herself - she found him charming and fun...perhaps a little too charming and fun. She was just sure that he must be a "love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy." At the time, I was not looking for a committed relationship (she'd just had 2, or was that three, in a row that ended painfully), so I just looked to enjoy Rocco's company when I bought more training sessions. He said he'd help me improve my tennis game, too...I think it's plain to see that it was money well-spent even though I don't see much court time now!

After a few training sessions, we noticed that we enjoyed each other's company so we started spending time outside of the gym. Our first "date" was at Old Chicago after a session one night. After this, our visits became more frequent and after a time, we were both hooked. At this time, Mark politely asked me if it would be okay if we started dating officially. It was an offer I couldn't refuse and so, on September 27, 2002, Mark and MeLissa became an official couple.

During our time dating, Mark introduced/re-introduced me to many different experiences. Mark treated me to my first live Avalanche (hockey) game for my birthday after a yummy first experience at PF Changs! Mark also took me ice skating once as well. I fell down a lot, but I loved every minute of it! Shortly after that, I also tried skiing for, perhaps, the first and last time. Despite a terribly scary experience, I did like tubing and enjoyed the atmosphere of the ski town, so I may even agree to be a snow bunny in the future! My only requirement is that next time she goes, I don't want to be in between bouts of tonsillitis - since I had her tonsils removed about a week after the ski trip, this should be a piece of cake!

In the summer of 2003, Mark escorted took me to Maui (my first visit). I was enamored with the breathtaking views and with all the fun things there were to do and see. I enjoyed swimming in the ocean (except for once when Mark pushed me under for a large wave at small beach - there is a fish swimming around with a very cool pair of Bolle sunglasses now!) I also enjoyed meeting some of Mark's friends and visiting such sites as Tedeski Vinyards, Haleakala and the road to Hana (including the Seven Pools where we camped for a night much to my chagrin - I detest camping unless it involves a Holiday Inn...).

These memories pale in comparison to those of viewing my first sunrise on the beach on July 5, 2003, though. Despite my protests that I was on vacation and should be allowed to sleep at least until 7 am, I have to admit a more beautiful scene could not exist - the sand was smooth and the only footprints were ours. And, of course, the views of the sun peeking up above the palm trees and gradually lighting up the various island locations were breath taking. I took many pictures which now are some of our most cherished shots.

What made this morning the most memorable moment of our stay in Hawaii was that once the sun came up, Mark dropped to one knee (amid the patch of rocks you see in the picture above and to the right) and said that this morning would mark the beginning of our new life together if I would do him the honor of marrying him. I accepted and admired the beautiful sapphire and diamond ring he'd chosen just for me. The proposal and its timing were really special...even more so since Mark had asked my father for permission and had received his blessing. I couldn't have wished for a better surprise.

We informally announced our engagement to Mark's friends and family at Louis and Betsy Salazar's wedding that evening. We also called my parents and told them the happy news. We even bought an artist's painting of the spot where Mark proposed to commemorate the memory. It and another print of Mackenna beach currently reside in our bedroom. If you ever want a glimpse...just ask! :)