Where it all started ...
The importance of a first date depends entirely on who it is with. Jill and McLeod's first date turned out to be the most important (and last) of their lives. McLeod asked Jill to the Philharmonic in Central Park, not knowing that in a few short years they would be living less than half a mile away. The evening went well and a second date followed the first, they continue to this day.
When Jill and McLeod first started dating they were living on opposite sides of Manhattan. McLeod was living in the East Village while Jill was living in the West Village. They had many spirited debates about which side of New York was better (they now live on the West Side so we know who won that argument). Here they are meeting in the middle at Washington Square Park during a snow storm.
Taking advantage of your situation is key to living in Manhattan. McLeod and Jill love being so close to the museums that make New York City so iconic. This photo is of them attending the Young Members Party for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This was a great night and stands out as one of the best events they've attended, and when they were best dressed.
Jill and McLeod love traveling and have been to Japan twice! This is the summit of the Hakone mountain ranges. Legend says eating the black eggs there will add 7 years to your life. They had a few and they tasted great! They hope to go back one day and have some more delicious eggs (and extra-long hours of soaking in the natural hot springs)!
VICTORY!
This photo is after Jill and McLeod climbed up and down Mt. Fuji. What they thought was a simple hike turned into a difficult climb, as the volcanic nature of the mountain required you to climb up old lava flows. However, seeing the sunrise from the top of the mountain was worth the effort. At the end of the descent, Jill and McLeod were approached by some locals, who thought they looked like celebrities (still questioning their thinking) asking to take a picture.
Jill taught McLeod a lot of new experiences, like spending time at the beach and on a boat. He was a quick study and now enjoys the time on the Ocean almost as much as Jill does. This photo is taken in Costa Rica where McLeod joined the Bonners on a family vacation.
Jill and McLeod got engaged in November 2018 and couldn't wait to tell the world about it. McLeod asked her one night when they were together (hanging out in their pajamas) at their apartment and they were both so happy.
First dates, world travels and getting engaged. After all these events Jill and McLeod decided they wanted a new challenge. In January of 2019, they brought home their Chocolate Lab Cassius AKA Cash. He is the cutest dog in the world. He is much bigger now than in the photo but still loves his morning walk in the park. Unfortunately, he won't be attending the wedding but Jill and McLeod are happy to show him off any morning in Central Park – if you're willing to arrive at 6 AM.