WE ARE GETTING MARRIED

There are two great moments in any love story: the moment when you meet & the moment when you get married. For most of you reading this you'll probably be present for the second moment. So, we thought we might share how this story began. While traveling on the subway from JFK to Manhattan. As two strangers sitting across from each other. Elena sitting with a warm smile on her face maybe from seeing her family off to the airport. Or Maybe, it was from the warm memories of the trip to Hawaii she had just taken with her family. A memento of which she was still carrying in her purse, Hawaiian Host chocolates. Eric had noticed both Elena’s smile and the chocolates in her purse. Well, to be honest Eric had noticed everything about Elena and it was the reason he used to start a conversation. "Did you follow me, from Hawaii? Because that would be awesome." This conversation would last the entire train ride and leave them both with a beautiful memory. Eric took Elena's phone number and reached out only a year after...

Shortly after their first meeting Eric lost his phone. But, more importantly Eric lost Elena’s phone number and the only way to contact her. It would be months after Eric would search through the calls record of all the days he was in New York and he would find her. It would take a couple more months for him to work up the courage to reach out but when he did he sent this: “Hi Elena, This is Eric Sokalski. We met briefly on the subway almost a year ago. You had just dropped off your family at the airport and I was coming in from Hawaii. We talked about chocolate and your recent trip to Hawaii. You were so kind in giving me directions and helping me navigate the NY subway, thank you. Shortly after our meeting I had managed to obliterated my phone and by doing so your phone number. But, whether through fate or un-happened circumstance I found your number. And so, I am writing you to see if you might be available for that cup of coffee or dinner. I am back in Hawaii at the moment but I am going to find myself in your neck of the woods in a month or two. I can’t tell you why you should waste a leap of faith on the likes of me but what I can say is I remember you and your smile. And, that’s got to count for something. Regardless, I think you can tell the story of how a man travelled the world just to know you. I hope everything is wonderful in your life. Your’s very respectfully & truly, Eric Sokalski" They would text each other everyday and share some little experiences, Eric would regularly send Elena flowers and other gifts, including that one silver bookmark with sweet notes. On June 5th 2017, Eric came to NY again, and this time took Elena to the very first date.

Eric proposed to Elena on his Birthday. So, that she might know that their relationship was the culmination of his existence. Elena & Eric were in Portugal with Elena's sister Anyuta, best friend Alina, and their husbands who were sometimes referred to as, "man slaves". Eric was fortunate enough to have Elena's sister on his side who helped coordinate a flash mob dancing while the little mermaid played which was Eric cue to get on one knee & propose to Elena. The proposal itself was probably not a surprise to Elena since she is the smarter of the two. And, also probably because Eric decided to change his flight and fly to Ukraine few days earlier to ask Elena's parents for their blessing. But, she acted surprised none the less and that's what counts. Also, she had pre-written a response on a beautiful card upon being asked the question by Eric. When the flash dance mob stopped dancing to the little mermaid theme song and Eric finished reading the response card she gave him, Elena pulled out a crystal heart. Set it before him, gave him a big hug, a kiss, & then said, "yes".