As all good love stories start, the Mother of the Bride, Cary, knew that Tony and Grace were destined for each other before either of them knew it. Cary first met Tony when he was 19. Almost immediately after meeting him, Cary told Tony, "one day, you're going to marry my daughter." Of course, Tony was shocked by this proclamation. He had yet to meet Grace, and further, he knew that Grace was only 14! He laughed it off and told Cary she was crazy, but she insisted and saved Grace's number in Tony's phone. The contact was named "Grace (FW)." FW stood for "future wife." Flash forward 5 years, Grace received a message from a newly minted college graduate, Tony. He was back in Dexter for the summer and wondered if Grace would like to spend a day out on the boat reading and drinking. Grace agreed; however, both quickly realized that reading was not in the cards. Instead, Grace and Tony talked for over 8 hours! From there, the rest is history. The couple has been together for over 6 years! They have survived long distance, undergrad, law school, new jobs, international travel, time zone differences, and even quarantining together during a pandemic. It's safe to say that Cary was right all those years ago. They were made for each other!
Tony was determined to make the proposal a surprise, and he certainly did! He proposed the day after the two of them had moved back to Michigan from New York. Of course, Grace was not expecting a proposal after a week of packing and moving. Grace and Tony spent their first date out on the float boat on Base Lake. It was only fitting that he propose on the same boat and lake nearly 6 years to the day later. The icing on the cake was Tony coordinating with all of the ladies (Claire, Jessica, Kort, Rachel, and Linds) to have family waiting at the lake house to immediately celebrate. Just when Grace thought the surprises were over, a party bus showed up to take everyone back to Nat and Chic's house where another 50 people were waiting to spend the rest of the evening popping champagne bottles. Ceccolini parties are legendary, and this engagement party was no exception. Grace and Tony were reminded how loved they are by both families and all of their friends!