Connect How did your love story begin?

It's actually kind of odd. My friends and I (Melissa) met a group of guys one summer evening. I was kind of dating one of them but then was introduced to Dan when we were all together before late night bowling. After chatting, we learned that we had a history. We stayed just friends, and Dan would tell his friends he was going to marry me. A few weeks later, I started dating Dan instead. It turned out that there were pictures of us together at previous events as small kids and had met before!

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

We have two... our first was our first "date" and went to a 50s diner named Hudsons Grill. We chatted for hours and learned so much about each other. The next morning, M called the other guy I was dating and told him I was choosing Dan. And here we are. Our 2nd, was when we finally got to go to Kauaii for our 30th Anniversary. It had always been a dream to go! M cried multiple times because we had finally made it there. It was a perfect week. The weather, food, but especially, the company.

What would you do with $20,000?

As much as we should pay off some bills (especially because Dan was laid off in January 2025-he's been helping take care of his dad since then). Our 35th Anniversary will be in July of 2028. We'd love to take the family to Kauaii to renew our vows. They are the most important people to us and we'd love to share that with them.