Not many people would think of meeting a future spouse at a funeral, but for us, it was just one day to start a wonderful journey together. Frank had been cast in a play with and quickly befriended Sam's uncle, Jim, when a death in their family brought all three of them together. Sam's grandfather (Jim's father) died during Hurricane Sandy, a tumultuous time for everyone in New Jersey. Frank, being a supportive and genuine friend, came to the funeral to be there for his new friend and pay his respects. The day of the funeral happened to be Sam's parents' wedding anniversary. While the two of them have very different recollections of their first encounter during that day, it nevertheless made a lasting impression for both. Thanks to Jim for the introduction!

Finding yourself on a family vacation with a family that isn't yours may not sound like a very romantic setting, but something must have just clicked! Having befriended Sam's brother, Kyle, as well as her uncle, Frank was invited to join the Gertner family on a trip they were taking to St. Martin in celebration of her father's birthday and her completion of graduate school. The plan was for the three "kids" to keep each other occupied and have adventures so the parents could relax and enjoy their island escape to the fullest. While that did happen, it also came to pass that Frank and Sam took plenty of furtive rendez-vous. The two shared nighttime dips in the ocean, dancing in piano bars, and one francophone waiter who insisted all night that Sam was Frank's wife (maybe he was psychic!)

Frank called Sam one day with news of surprise tickets for that evening, something very much in character for him. She tried to weasel details out of him, but he wouldn't budge; it was to stay a surprise! They arrived at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey to see one of Sam's favorites- Moliere's Tartuffe! As the production had closed the previous week, Sam was content to believe this front row, center treat was the end of a lovely and typically charmed night with her beau. He had other plans. Frank had secretly arranged with the technical and house crew to "talk their way into" a backstage tour, very casually. Everyone knows that Frank is personable (and lucky) enough for this to be plausible. The two are invited to see the magic of backstage- the train schedule, the exhausted actors, the wig room! They finally make their way to the wings and are invited to get a close up view of the incredibly gorgeous sets. Nerves a-jumble, Frank indicates, almost non-verbally, that they should recite the scene of Shakespeare they had just finished performing earlier that spring: Kate and Petruccio's introduction. For those not familiar with The Taming of The Shrew, it is a scene where the conniving Petruccio who has previously made arrangements with (and received payment from) the very stubborn Kate's father informs his intended that they will be married. It is a nearly hysterical fight scene. Sam, laughing at what silliness in her Frank is able to inspire, goes right into their linework and blocking, even removing her fancy heels in preparation of being thrown in the air. ".....Hearing thy mildness praised in every town, they virtues spoke of , and thy beauty sounded, yet not so deeply as to thee belongs; myself and moved to woo thee for my wife." Turning to deliver Kate's next scorching, reproachful, almost hateful line, Sam found her intended down on one knee with the most beautiful, perfect ring held high in front of him. She wishes she was speechless. Ask for the video.