Leslie (Les) & Mary's story began in December of 2024 when Leslie's Mom (Mamma B) turned 93. Les gave a birthday party for Mama B at the Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA). Ron Nelson, the executive director of the museum, friend of both Mary & Les', brought Mary to the party as his plus 1. Also at the birthday celebration were Josephine Molina and Heather Rudy, both of whom wanted to introduce Mary to Leslie. The fun begins! Although Les had tons of family at the party & Mary knew few people, Mary felt very comfortable with all of the family; and both Les & Mary knew that evening they wanted to see each other again.

The first date was a cozy night at the Long Beach Yacht Club. The date went on for 4 hours where Les & Mary talked about everything - sharing their pasts, belief in God, their spirituality, and tons of laughter. Mary in one evening brought much needed laughter back to Les' life. Les knew that first night that she had found someone extraordinary & was excited to get to know Mary better. As Les spent the winters in Tucson, she flew back & forth to Long Beach for many months to get to know Mary.

One sunny Saturday afternoon in beautiful Long Beach, Les took Mary to the same spot where they first met, the LBMA. Surrounded by love and acceptance of family & close friends, Les at the age of 70 got down on one knee (barely) & asked Mary to marry her. Tears of joy & cheers from the crowd were their witnesses, & Mary said yes with a little prompting from the crowd - as she was overwhelmed with the surprise!

Les & Mary's love for one another has been a special soulful journey of growth, self-discovery, & daily laughter. Together, they are building a life centered on love, acceptance, focusing on family, friends, & their 3 dogs - Kitson, Kenzie, & Elvis.

Les & Mary are getting married because their love story has been nothing short of magical. They have found in each other a best friend, a confidant, & a partner in all of life's adventures. Les & Mary share the same values, dreams, and a deep love that grows stronger with every passing day.

Les loves Mary's passion for the Long Beach Community, always giving back in any way she can, serving on multiple boards - always thinking of others with less & selflessly doing all she can to help the less fortunate. Mary's commitment to the Long Beach community, coupled with commitment to her family- especially to her daughter Kristen, & friends is inspiring. Mary brings a smile to Les face every day!

Leslie's strength, resilience, & heart are part of what Mary fell in love with- Mary claims Les' beautiful blue eyes did not hurt either! Les & Mary have cherished all the moments they have spent together over the last year. They are both feeling blessed to have come into one another's lives at their ages:).

Our wedding day is not just about celebrating our love; it's about joining our lives in front of our chosen family. We are looking forward to sharing our vows, bringing our two cultures together, dancing and embarking on our beautiful adventure - with tons of laughter!

Love,

Les & Mary