aria grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey. She attended Seton Hall University where she was an Alpha Phi (AF)and graduated with a BA in Economics. Maria currently works as a Project Manager for MetLife in New Jersey. She respects and admires the wild wolf and collects all types of wolf paraphernalia. She and Kenny own a townhouse in Central New Jersey and the house is her biggest "home improvement" project yet! Maria is the owner of a devilish cat named Tiger who is slowly but surely beginning to warm up to her - 5 years later.

enny grew up in Staten Island, New York. He attended The New York Restaurant School and graduated a certified culinary expert. Kenny is currently a Banquet Chef for Shackomaxon Golf and Country Club in New Jersey. He is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan - which his collection of Cowboys memorabilia and his basement can attest to his fanaticism. He and Maria's brother fancy themselves cigar connoisseurs. He enjoys reading up on the latest news in the culinary arts and his favorite chef is Emeril Lagasse (and by the way Tiger loves him).

enny and Maria met while working in New York City in June of 1996. Their mutual friend Meg Soto introduced them to each other - when she was trying to set Kenny up with her own little sister! Maria & Kenny didn't get together until October of 1996 after a festive evening at a wine and cheese cooking class held at what was the Union Bank of Switzerland (and yes a lot of wine was what brought them together). Kenny tries to suggest and hint that it was Maria who approached him but those close to them know the truth! They have had a most wonderful life ever since! THANK YOU MEG MO'!!

enny proposed in true "Kenny" fashion. He asked Maria's mother for her hand in marriage about one month beforehand - keeping with Maria's wishes that he do the honorable thing and ask for permission first. On the day in question, both had arrived home early from work due to an appointment they had for later that evening. Maria was in the process of getting ready for their appointment, just fresh out of the shower, hair soaking wet (but brushed!), with only her favorite sweater, blue striped socks and undies on. Kenny comes running up the stairs yelling her name. Maria thought something horrible had happened. Kenny stood in front of Maria, gently took Maria's left hand in his and asked, very sheepishly, if she would marry him (he had been "practice" asking her for months now). Maria was about to say "not again" when he responded with, "No, really, I mean it this time, will you marry me?", while placing the most gorgeous ring on her finger. At this point, Maria, in complete shock, responded "Oh, Kenny, Thank You, Thank You!" He then asked "Does that mean yes?" So Maria said yes over and over again and then started bawling.

See pictures of Kenny and Maria throughout their relationship, or view their formal engagement portraits, taken by JRW Photographers.