Our Story
How We Met
Hanover College • 2005
{Our meeting each other is in loving thanks to our French professor, Dr. Dalka. May she rest in peace.}
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We each took Dr. Dalka’s French class sophomore year of college but at different times. Dr. Dalka is the quintessential French professional. She is cultured, a little eccentric, and has a lifetime of unique and inspiring stories. To listen to such an individual can sometimes be very charming and amusing.
One day, on separate occurrences, she approached each of us asking if we knew the other. Miki had not heard of “Ian” nor had Ian heard of “Miki.” She intrigued us by stating we were each other’s secret admirers.
She described Ian to Miki as “very cute” and Miki to Ian as “beautiful.” Out of curiosity, we of course had to find our "secret admirer." This was after all, a very flattering gesture.
Weeks went by until one day we were introduced in the Hanover College Admissions Office. We both worked as Student Ambassadors and didn't know it. As we realized the other’s name, we blushed! We couldn’t help but secretly smile and think of our conversations with Dr. Dalka.
After our meeting, we made a point to see each other every day. We stopped by the admissions office while the other was working. We surprised each other after classes. We took walks around campus. Ian sent sweet emails to Miki and Miki played “dumb” to get closer to Ian. For instance, Miki had to cut shapes out of cardboard for an art project. She acted as if it was “too difficult” to cut. She didn’t know it at the time but Ian skipped class just to help her cut shapes from cardboard.
On December 30, 2005, Ian asked Miki to be her girlfriend. We have been in love ever since!
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{During the first year of our dating, we later discovered Dr. Dalka’s mischievous act. We keep her friendship and sweetness close to heart.}
Will You Marry Me?
Philadelphia, PA • August 28, 2008
Our road trip began at 5:00 o’clock in the morning on Thursday, August 28th, 2008. Luckily, we packed the car the night before. I thought Ian planned this trip as a fun getaway to celebrate our college graduation. Little did I know he had something else planned.
Ian made arrangements to stay at The Rittenhouse, a five diamond luxury hotel (http://www.rittenhousehotel.com/). It sits on the beautiful gardens of The Rittenhouse Square in Center City Philadelphia. We were minutes away from world-class shopping, museums, and restaurants. It was the perfect location for a memorable trip!
Ian planned a 6p.m. dinner reservation at Morimoto’s (http://www.morimotorestaurant.com/), my favorite contemporary sushi restaurant in Philadelphia, owned by “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto. Philadelphia is a walking city but since we were rushed for time the hotel’s chauffeur drove us to the restaurant. I felt like a princess!
Ian had Morimoto’s hazelnut beer and I had champagne with grapefruit vodka and grapefruit juice. For dinner, Ian ordered for us one of every sashimi and sushi on the menu. I couldn’t believe it but it was so delicious!
Ian was very quiet during dinner, especially towards the end. I didn’t think much of it as we drove all day; I just thought he was tired. As I went to the ladies room to freshen up, I later discovered he asked our waiter for directions to Love Park.
We didn’t have specific plans for the rest of the evening but knew we wanted to enjoy the city nightlife. “Where do you want to walk to,” I asked Ian as we held hands.
“I was thinking Love Park. It’s this way…isn’t it?”
“Why do you want to go there at night? It’s pretty but there are other places around."
“It would be nice to see the sculpture and the lights on the fountain. The last time I was here with you I didn’t get to see it at night."
“But let’s walk to Rittenhouse Square instead. It’s so pretty! We can see the Love sculpture tomorrow.”
“Nooooo…I really want to see it tonight. Come on” as he strongly demanded and kissed my forehead.
“Fine,” I said, a little annoyed.
As we came closer to the park, we saw the lights shining on the 50 foot water fountain and sculpture. I have to admit, it was a very nice evening to be there together. I felt very “Audrey Hepburn” taking a stroll with my arm around a handsome man walking in the city all dressed up.
I took pictures of the scenery while Ian stood back watching me with a gentle smile on his face.
As I started to walk away, Ian said, standing in front of the Love sculpture, “You know, [pause] wouldn’t this be the perfect place to propose?”
Silence.
“Ian...I’m really not in the mood to be teased right now. You know I hate it when you do this to me.”
“Why? All I have to do is…get down on one knee…like this…and pull out a ring…like…this…”
Silence.
He took my left hand and asked with a smile, “Will you marry me?”
I couldn’t speak. All I could do was stare in shock. As Ian puts it, I gasped for 5 minutes while he sweated in fear.
“Well, will you marry me?” as he chuckled. He looked so handsome with his dark curly hair and blue eyes.
“YES! YES!" I laughed and started to cry at the same time.
He slid the ring on my finger and kissed me in front of everyone.
“We have to hurry! I have another surprise for you.” He hailed a cab. “Historic Philly please.”
We arrived in Historic Philly on Chestnut Street between Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It was so beautiful and charming at night with the elegant townhomes, trees, and cobblestone. To end our engagement evening, my newly announced fiancé surprised me with a white horse drawn carriage ride.
When we arrived back to The Rittenhouse, I immediately told the first people we saw, which happened to be the Concierge, “We’re engaged! Do you mind taking a picture of us?”
The Concierge smiled and snapped the photo for us.
“Congratulations! The Rittenhouse would like to send a complimentary bottle of champagne to your room.” How luxurious! The evening was truly magical!
We woke up the next morning to enjoy more of the city and to expose my new diamond ring to all!
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{Why Philadelphia?}
Philadelphia was my home for four months during my junior year of college. I took an internship with the City Representative as a Special Events Coordinator. I was a quiet Midwestern girl in a very large, loud, and eclectic city. Despite the differences, the experience inspired me and helped define me as an individual. I learned how to live on my own. I took exciting opportunities. I gained strength and discovered more about myself.
As Ian brought me back to this city, we started a life-transition together in the same city that transitioned me into a more confident and strong woman.
