It began innocently enough...

**Mt. Washington was no match for us! Hah!**

Once upon a time, on a dark and stormy night, two individuals simultaneously logged onto Match.com looking for love. Little did Chris and Martha realize their lives would be forever changed.

Quickly each discovered a kindred spirit in the other -- sharing a love for the mountains, European languages, international travel, a strange and silly sense of humor, victuals and libations, and "some other things".

Both had met their match - in wits, humor, and eclectic tastes! The rest, as they say, is history...but we'll tell you about it here, too.

Lady and the Bonz, demystified

Dating life was going well, except for one problem. They did not yet have suitable nicknames! They knew this was a critical step in consummating their relationship's potential.

Martha caught a break in July 2013, when Chris' parents revealed his first-ever nickname: Garbanzo. While still in the womb, Chris' misshapen little body resembled a chickpea, in both shape and flavor. And thusly, "The Bonz" as an adult nickname sprung into action.

Meanwhile Chris faced a difficult task trying to meet Martha's exacting nickname standards. After many failed attempts, the appropriate name finally came once Chris was sufficiently tired, blistered, and mosquito-bitten for inspiration to strike. On the third day of a marathon backpacking trip in New Hampshire's White Mountains, Chris realized a beautiful (and retrospectively obvious) truth -- since Martha was the purest and truest embodiment of ladylike femininity, the only suitable nickname could be "The Lady". And so it was.

These nicknames have proved so perfect that they have stuck with Chris and Martha ever since. Now they are forever commemorated in a future Billboard Top-50 hit song, "Lady and the Bonz" -- a loving tribute to that special hiking trip and its happy result.

That magic moment

A mid-February 2014 work trip for Martha in Italy brought the couple a chance for an impromptu romantic getaway in Florence, where Martha had previously lived for four years.

Chris sensed an even bigger opportunity. Furtive movements in Boston yielded "the right" ring, which was then surreptitiously stowed in a carry-on for the flight to Italy.

Once safely in Florence, the game was afoot. After a beautiful "Valentine's Day dinner" in one of Florence's best restaurants, Chris brought Martha to the Piazza di San Miniato, a majestic perch overlooking the city of Florence. With the city spread beneath them, Chris bestowed upon Martha her "Valentine's Day Gift" -- a beautiful leather business card holder stamped with the Florentine "giglio" symbol.

**Look ma, we're engaged! Celebratory glass of prosecco.**

With this decoy gift now safely planted, and all Martha's hopes of a marriage proposal now firmly squashed, Chris paused a few minutes for dramatic effect -- before presenting the actual ring. Words were not immediately forthcoming for Chris or Martha.

Eventually Martha managed: "ummm...is there a question that comes with this?"

Chris' confirmation of the affirmative (and Martha's subsequent "yes") unleashed a torrent of tears, whoops of joy, and...ultimately a celebratory glass of prosecco shortly before midnight on the banks of the Arno.

The newly-engaged couple finally went to sleep somewhere around 3am -- tired, a little drunk, and extremely happy.

Awesome. Now what?

Since the successful proposal, Martha and Chris have been settling into the comfortable life of soon-to-be-newlyweds. Sometimes this means a gentle peal of laughter in the mountain meadows, other times it's dragon boating on the Charles River, or visiting family in Maine or Muskoka.

Most often though, their days have been filled planning the wedding: eating their way through tastings, touring venues, and (most important!) building this website. Also, they've found time to dream about the future and think about all the joy and fun yet to come.

Finally, a special THANKS to all those who can attend the wedding of these two "remarkable" people. They love you all and can't wait to see you in November!