05.01.2021 | New York
Hello! We're so excited for you to join us in celebrating our big day!
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How We Met
As told by Alex
Like many classic fairytale beginnings, Marina and I met at…work.
I was starting my new job at Agio and Marina was their Creative Director. I remember being introduced to all the employees that were in the office, with a certain you know who especially catching my eye. I managed to blurt out my name and offer a nervous smile and handshake, as I stood sweating in a suit (it was July). That day would change my life.
Over the next year or so: I managed to find random excuses to ask her questions or to stop by her desk and talk about anything; I agreed to go to way too many company outings in hoping to get more time to talk with Marina, and ever not-so-subtly and shamelessly flirt with her. Over that amazing year, we managed to build a real friendship, connection, and chemistry that was undeniable.
I was starting my new job at Agio and Marina was their Creative Director. I remember being introduced to all the employees that were in the office, with a certain you know who especially catching my eye. I managed to blurt out my name and offer a nervous smile and handshake, as I stood sweating in a suit (it was July). That day would change my life.
Over the next year or so: I managed to find random excuses to ask her questions or to stop by her desk and talk about anything; I agreed to go to way too many company outings in hoping to get more time to talk with Marina, and ever not-so-subtly and shamelessly flirt with her. Over that amazing year, we managed to build a real friendship, connection, and chemistry that was undeniable.
Our first photo together was naturally at a work outing.
Marina doesn't believe me but about 2 months into my new job at Agio, and her and I becoming closer and talking more, there was a particular day in the office, in which after we spoke I went back to my desk and thought to myself, "I'm going to marry her." Luckily, I didn't put any exact time frame in how soon that would happen BUT NEVERTHELESS, it was truly meant to be.
The Engagement
As told by Alex
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I already had the ring burning a hole in my nightstand drawer for about a week or so. With two days till July 4th weekend, Marina had decided last minute that "we" do indeed want to go away for the holiday weekend. It was time to try and pull off some miracles, move some mountains, and get it done.
I finally found a cabin in the Berkshires and started to imagine this potential romantic scene of Marina walking outside to the backyard and I would be there with a sign hanging (which a very good friend made for me), give my speech and get down on one knee as I ask for Marina's hand. |
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Upon arrival we discovered that the cabin definitely had…character. We took a look outside and were pleasantly surprised to find a semi-private lake, with beautiful views, and as I quickly noticed, a place to hang my sign.
Saturday morning came and I was extremely nervous all day. The day started out great, we went for a swim at our lake right across the dirt road, we BBQ'd for lunch, and I was planning to cook a very delicious special dinner. Obviously Marina would not make this easy for me and come around 5pm, she kept asking if I wanted to go hiking. I countered with why don't we just relax here and I can build her a fire in the fire pit, where she can relax and read. I wanted to wait till sunset, but the hours were slowing down and I was getting more nervous and anxious. I decided ok GO TIME… LET'S DO THIS.
I quietly escaped upstairs and changed into a more dressy outfit. Something a little more befitting the occasion. I put the ring in my pocket and went downstairs to surprise Marina and give very clear instructions. I walked outside to the porch where Marina was reading and said "Please go upstairs and get changed, I will be back for you in about 20 minutes. Don't ask any questions."
Saturday morning came and I was extremely nervous all day. The day started out great, we went for a swim at our lake right across the dirt road, we BBQ'd for lunch, and I was planning to cook a very delicious special dinner. Obviously Marina would not make this easy for me and come around 5pm, she kept asking if I wanted to go hiking. I countered with why don't we just relax here and I can build her a fire in the fire pit, where she can relax and read. I wanted to wait till sunset, but the hours were slowing down and I was getting more nervous and anxious. I decided ok GO TIME… LET'S DO THIS.
I quietly escaped upstairs and changed into a more dressy outfit. Something a little more befitting the occasion. I put the ring in my pocket and went downstairs to surprise Marina and give very clear instructions. I walked outside to the porch where Marina was reading and said "Please go upstairs and get changed, I will be back for you in about 20 minutes. Don't ask any questions."
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Seeing her go upstairs and out of view, I ran to my car to get the sign. I walked quickly, trying really hard not to sweat through my clothes just yet, and observe the scene. There was no one else at the lake, the sun was slowly setting, and it felt like finally everything was aligning. I hung up my sign and set up a mini tripod with my phone. I then ran back to the house to get Marina, who walked down the stairs and looked absolutely stunning, with an amazing glow around her. Not sweating through my clothes was out the window.
I lead Marina to the entrance of the lake and asked her to please trust me as I placed a blindfold on her. |
Marina then proceeded to take the smallest of steps, moving at a snails pace. I was now concerned I could lose sunlight before we arrived at the "designated area" so I offered to pick her up and carry her to the lake. I gently placed her down on her feet, got on one knee behind her, and asked her to take off the blindfold and turn around. I managed not to completely stutter all my words and finally asked Marina to be my wife. It was the happiest moment of my life, to put that ring on her finger and kiss my now Fiancée!
