As I walked into Bahi Bar on 22nd street, I hear the loudest "YO" I have ever heard. Annoyed, I turned to see who could possibly be talking to me like that. It's some annoying bouncer asking me... ME, for ID! The nerve! (angry fist) I was 22 years old at the time and way too cool to be carded. After studying my ID for several minutes (he now admits he thought it was a fake), he asked me what party I was there for. I told him (as rude as possible) that I wasn't there for a party, I was just visiting my friend, Jamel, a fellow bouncer. Turning away from the annoying bouncer, I was determined to enjoy the rest of my night, out of sight out of mind! As the night came to an end, and it was time to leave, I notice that it is now down pouring outside (thanks, weatherman for the spot-on report!). The annoying bouncer sees me looking outside and asks me if I need an umbrella. I respond, ever so sweetly, PLEASE!! He takes another patrons umbrella and walks me to a cab. He opens the door for me and smiles.... This is when the annoying bouncer becomes My LOU...

As you all know, we just can't seem to do anything normal! Lou's original plan was to propose to me in Mexico. He wanted to leave boyfriend/girlfriend and come home engaged to be married. What really ended up happening....

#1

It's April 6th, Stami's birthday. We have a wonderful dinner with our dearest friend HBoogie (Heatherlynn) at the Oyster Bar. We finish the evening with some cocktails and head home. At midnight, I look over at the time and I comment that it is no longer my special day. Lou takes me by my hand and walks me into the bedroom. He reaches into the closet and pulls out a box. I immediately get angry and start yelling at him no more presents. (I happen to be a very lucky lady, he spoils me with presents!) Lou is talking to me at this point and I am not even listening to him, until... I see he is crying and hear the most beautiful sentiments coming out of my big, hunk of a man.  He drops to one knee and asks me to do him the honor of spending the rest of my life with him....

#2

We go to visit my mom on Saturday. She is not have the best day, but she is looking cute as always. We are reminding her that we will be leaving for Mexico soon for vacation. She smiles and nods.  Wanting to include mom... Lou starts saying how we can't keep living as boyfriend/girlfriend and he gets down on one knee and asks me to be his wife....

#3

We are in Mexico and Lou is rushing me as always to get out of the hotel room. He tells me we need a do something before we go for dinner. He walks me down to the beach where I see a section all made up with couches, champagne, and our very own butler! It was sunset, on the beach, need I say more. Lou asks me again to make him the happiest man in the world and become his wife...

YES!!!!

We are making plans for our very bright future together!

Marina and Chad have very graciously offered to let us have our engagement party on their roof on June 25, 2011 (I will see you all there!).

We have not settled on a location for the wedding or the reception, but it will be on September 7, 2012. We will for sure keep everyone posted.

Lou and I would like to thank all of our dearest family and friends for simply being there for us. You have all done so much and have made such a positive difference in our lives. We will always cherish the friendship and love you have given us and continue to give us.

We can not wait to spend our special day with all of you!