Our Story

as told by the groom

Late Winter 2020. Will is outside the 14th Street Barcelona Wine Bar in Washington, DC. He is nervous, but outwardly calm. He has on a dark sweater and charcoal overcoat. He smells fantastic.

Earlier in the week, he had summoned up the courage to ask Allie on a date “casually.” She had said “yes,” also casually, and Will had suggested tapas. “Paella in mid-February is always a good choice,” his father had told him growing up, and his father before him (the Marvins have a phenomenal history of courting their future spouses).

Suddenly, a car pulls up. He opens the door of the car and out steps Alexandra. She is stunning, vibrant. A warm presence in the cold night air. Her hair curls over her shoulder and she looks at Will. He is frozen. She gives a smile and Will begins to thaw. He says, a slight tremor in his voice, “I hope you like papas bravas.” She nods – he is in love.

In the restaurant, they grab a table. Looking around at the other patrons, Will realizes it is the day before Valentine’s Day (stupid, stupid). He holds Allie’s seat for her and glides over to his seat. He is a refined gentleman.

Together, they order many tapas. Will mentions how in the Basque region of Spain, “tapas are called pintxos.” He is absolutely nailing this.

Several minutes pass, then hours. Good wine has been had. Will does not know what stories he has told; all he knows is that he is laughing, with her. Will pays the bill (again, very much a gentleman. Very much with a gift card from his grandmother). They go to the street and look around, not wanting the night to end.

“Do you want to go back in the bar for another drink?” Will says. Allie nods her head. She is so darn cute. They sit at the bar and grab another drink. The night continues and they talk and laugh. Will is happy; he thinks Allie might be happy, too. One by one, the other patrons in the bar fall off. They are the only ones that remain. Will grabs Allie’s coat, and they walk outside once more. This time, she has a ride. He gives her a kiss and she gets in the car. Will, feeling the firm coldness of the evening now, thinks of how he will ask Allie to marry him.