Bride & Groom:	Wedding Date:
Denise Vandenberghe & Richard Tomaiko	June 27, 2008
Engagement Story:
First some background knowledge about us: Ricky and I grew up in the same town and attended the same high school. We started dating my senior year of high school, which was his junior year. Our engagement happened as follows. It was November 17th the week before Thanksgiving and I was at work and exhausted. I am a 3rd grade teacher and was in my classroom getting work done while my students and the special education teacher I work with were in Spanish class. Suddenly, one of my students walks in with a rose. I thought it was weird but figured they were doing something for their parents. That was until it was handed to me. I asked, "What is this for and who is it from? I received no answer. Then another student came in and did the same thing. After the third students handed me the rose it slowly started to hit me but where was Ricky. My 24 third grade students came in each carrying a rose. The 25th rose was the special education teacher with a note (folded up like a high school note). As I unfolded the note tears started to stream down my face. The note said will you marry me? Circle Yes or No. As my hands began to shake I took a pen and circled YES! Ricky walked in and got on his knee and then asked, "Did you circle an answer? I couldn't speak so I turned the note around. As he smiled he slipped the ring on my finger. Ricky went out of his way to make sure every single one of my students was involved in our proposal. The experience is something I will never forget and I know they won't forget either. That afternoon a banner was put outside my door that read, "Miss. V said YES!!"
Prize Awarded:
One of Sharon Naylor's latest wedding planning books

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