About Us
ABOUT MARISA
Marisa is a writer/editor by trade but a vineyard owner at heart. When she’s not in front of a computer screen taking over the world of healthcare fundraising with her prose, she enjoys reading, playing with her cats, drinking wine, studying wine, visiting vineyards (notice a theme here?), cross-stitching, and traveling when she has the money!
ABOUT DAN
Dan may not be as as good of a writer as his fiancee Marisa, but he’s useful in other ways. He spends most of his time taking things apart and putting them back together, as well as attempting to perfect his guitar playing and yo-yo mastery. Dan is a computer systems administrator for a federally owned national laboratory and loves every minute of it.
HOW WE MET
Marisa and Dan met by chance on July 13, 2006, in a bar somewhere deep in the middle of Wantagh, New York, where a mutual friend (another Marisa — same spelling, different pronunciation) had invited them both with absolutely no intention of forging a romantic relationship. Dan introduced himself to Marisa before they’d even walked through the door, and within an hour was attempting to impress her with his finely honed dart-throwing skills. It worked, and they closed down the bar that night. One ridiculous backyard party, a first date at a sushi buffet, and 12 days later, and Marisa and Dan’s couple-dom was cemented. The rest, as they say, is history.
WHEN WE GOT ENGAGED
December 14, 2008
HOW IT HAPPENED
Marisa never in a million years expected Dan to propose in the way that he did, knowing how shy he can be. Dan’s parents have a yearly holiday party to which everyone brings an ornament to present and hang on the Christmas tree, and this year’s ornament theme was “In these difficult economic times, what is the one thing you would never give up?” Marisa asked Dan if he wanted to get a cheesy ornament this year — a heart that symbolized “each other.”
After they stood in front of everyone and discussed their ornament and the meaning behind it, Dan continued on with the description by saying, “I would never give Marisa up for anything in the world. We have the perfect life: two cats, a beautiful apartment, and so many memories…but there is one thing missing.” He then dropped to one knee and proposed in front of 30 people. It was picture perfect! (See the “Photo” section for proof!)
THE WEDDING PARTY
Marisa’s Attendants
Kirsten Schnetzer, Maid Of Honor – Marisa’s childhood best friend
Maggie Hall, Bridesmaid – Marisa’s friend since middle school
Christina Luckett, Bridesmaid – Marisa’s college roommate
Kristen Fedele, Bridesmaid – Dan’s sister
Charlotte Murphy, Flower Girl – Marisa’s cousin
Miriam Lamey, Reader – Marisa’s cousin
Dana Kjolner, Usher – Marisa’s cousin
Dan’s Attendants
Alan Reuter, Best Man – Dan’s childhood best friend
Mike Weber, Groomsman – Dan’s friend from his first job
Craig Kramer, Groomsman – Dan’s friend since high school
Eric Schulhaus, Groomsman – Marisa’s brother
John Guadagnino, Reader – Dan’s cousin
