And this is the story About Us...
Both born and raised in NYC, Jenn grew up in Brooklyn and Dom grew up in Manhattan. We both never crossed paths until freshman year of college. Totally unsure, when, where, or how but we met through mutual friends. Our lives unfolded separately over the next 10 years. In 2013, we were reunited crediting this to our mutual friend Vivian. However, we did not start adventuring together until 2015.
During our first trip together, we realized how much we both had in common and how much we enjoy our time together. We love spending our date nights roaming around in a foreign city few hundred miles away from NYC. It doesn’t matter near or far, old or new, hot or cold; we love exploring the world together...
In a little over 3 years, we have traveled to all 7 continents together. Our top favorite places are Antarctica, New Zealand, and Norway. We love adventurous and outdoor activities. Even though it seems like we're always on the go, we still find time to take in all the beauty that surrounds us at each place we've been to. We love to explore and hope to return to the places that leave a memorable impression.
Jenn's Point of View
The Antarctica Proposal Story
Like every trip, Dom does all the planning and booking. I go along with it and look up places to eat and things to see. This time around the Antarctica trip, I do not need to lift a finger as our days, food and accommodations are all planned out for us with Quark Expedition.
As we started out our day on Tuesday, 1/2/18 we were super excited to set foot on the actual continent of Antarctica. It was a short zodiac ride to the Base Brown shore and a 20-minute hike up to the top of Paradise Bay for the vantage point view of the surrounding area. The sun was out and the weather was beautiful. So beautiful to the point where I was ready to take a few layers off. As we got to the top of Paradise Bay, our guide Yuki was ready to take our photos. Little did I know that the ultimate surprise was about to be revealed.
Dom suggested that we take a few photographs, especially a backshot. Without rebuttal, I stood there with my back turned toward him and Yuki, taking in the scenery and the amazing view of the icebergs sprinkled in the vast Antarctic water.
(A few may know that I started collecting rocks from each place we both travel to, however, we were brief in the beginning of our expedition that we should only leave footprints and collect memories from Antarctica.)
I recall hearing Dom say to me, “Jenn, I got a rock for you.” My immediate reaction was to tell him “not so loud and not in front of the guide.” I turned around, surprised and speechless - as I see my boyfriend of 2 ½ years on one knee with the most beautiful rock in his hand. I was overcome by emotions and happy tears as I hugged and kissed him. He asked the magical words of “Will you marry me?” I nodded intensely indicating yes. As he stood up, he jokingly asked if I would like to put the ring on before he drops it. Of course, I initially gave him the wrong hand!
Overcome by excitement and everyone’s congratulatory praises, finally, we were able to sit there for 15 minutes to take in the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. It is by far the most beautiful and pristine place on earth.
Many asked if I had an inkling feeling that he’d pop the question during this trip - NOPE! I did not except it. We never spoke about marriage. It never even crossed my mind, not even after knowing our shipmate proposed the day before.
Dom's Point of View
The Antarctica Proposal Story
The planning of the proposal started with the idea of doing it at a unique place and I wanted it to be a complete surprise. Since we have traveled together to 6 out 7 continents, what better place than to propose on our last continent. The diamond and ring took some time as Jenn had never expressed the cut and setting that she liked which was a good thing as it gave me options to pick. We actually never spoke about marriage at this point neither.
After spending a day in Ushuaia, we were ready to board our ship and on our way to Antarctica. I was so excited while checking every other minute to make sure the ring is there. First night on the ship, I spoke with the expedition leader, Shane, on the timing of arrival to Antarctica and the best place to pop the question. Shane explained to me that it will depend on the weather conditions but we will aim to arrive to Half Moon Bay, in South Shetland of Antarctica, on December 31st, 2017. Shane suggested I wait and ask him each night which following day would be the best. Night of January 1, 2018, he said tomorrow is the day. We will be arriving at Paradise Bay, Antarctica where we will step foot onto Antarctica peninsula then hike to the peak of Base Brown with surrounding views of Antarctica.
January 2, 2018. I woke up anxiously awaiting the moment. Wake up call sounded and we were ready to gear up. I took the ring and put it on a side zippered pocket for easy access and boarded the zodiac. We arrived and began the hike, heart pounding. When we were near the top, Yuki, one of our guides and also a photographer, told everyone to wait after me to hold the line. I’m sure the view was beautiful but at that moment I only had one thing on my mind. I was right behind Jenn as we hiked to the highest peak on Paradise Bay and started to take pictures. I told Jenn lets have Yuki take a picture of us facing away with our back towards her. I walked to Yuki with Jenn facing away into Antarctica, gave Yuki my camera and went back to Jenn with the ring pinched between my thumb and index finger, kneeled down on one knee, and tapped Jenn and said “Look, turn around, I found a rock for you!” Jenn turned around, looked down and was speechless as we hugged and kissed and I ask her to marry me. Jenn said Yes! and I quickly put the ring on her finger as we were on a mountaintop with the fear of dropping the ring. We spent the next 15 minutes taking in the moment knowing this will mark our time together.