In July 2009, after being together for 16 months, we took a trip to Venice, Italy and Croatia. We arrived on an overnight flight from New York to Venice and toured around San Marco Square for part of the afternoon, enjoying the sights, and many scoops of gelato (favorites were stracciatella and dark chocolate). After checking into the hotel, we got ready for what Demetra assumed would be a casual night out for dinner. A boat took us to dinner at Linea d'Ombra where we were the first guests to arrive at the beautiful restaurant on the water. After dinner, Blaine began to reminisce about some favorite memories of their relationship. He was soon down on one knee asking Demetra to marry him. Demetra instantly said “Yes!” and proceeded to startle the waiter with the news “We're Engaged!” Of course, we were both ecstatic and wanted everyone to share in our happiness.

Dinner ended with some amazing desserts, more wine, and a walk back to the hotel, via a local pub and, of course, for some more gelato. The gelateria had just closed for the night, but that didn't stop the happy new bride-to-be from convincing them to stay open. The perfect engagement night in Venice was topped off by one final scoop of gelato!