The Meet Cute : They met thirteen years ago , when she was his daughter ’ s first grade teacher . A few years later , yet another of Jim ’ s kids landed in her classroom as if it were fate . They met on Match . com after their marriages ended — she didn ’ t recognize him , but he remembered her . They went on a few dates and , initially , things didn ’ t click , but they kept in touch . In December 2018 , they went out for dinner and “ something changed that night ,” Amy says .
The Engagement : After meeting and feeling sparks fly , they always knew they ’ d get engaged . “ It was always ‘ when ,’ not ‘ if ,’” Amy says . He surprised her on Valentine ’ s Day . There was a bag on the counter with a bracelet box inside . She opened it to find a ring box inside . Thinking it was just a normal gift , she was in complete shock . “ I looked at him and he asked , and I said , ‘ Of course !’ It was an amazing moment , nothing fancy , just in our kitchen ,” she says . “ It was perfect .”
The Sound of ( Family ) Music : Jim ’ s son Jack plays in a band called Bissel Blues Company . Amy and Jim were joking around one afternoon and asked Jack if the band would play at the wedding . Jack said yes . They learned some new songs for the wedding , including “ Lover ” by Taylor Swift . ( Amy and Jim ’ s daughter are both Swifties .) The band played the entire reception .
The Highlights : “ The absolute highlight of our day was having a great party with our closest family and friends ,” Amy says . “ It is rare to find a great love in the second half of your life , and we feel so lucky . We wanted our day to be a celebration of love and joy , and it truly was !” Guests told the couple it was the most joyful wedding they ’ d ever attended . Having Amy ’ s sons PJ and Will walk her down the aisle was also incredibly special . “ I knew if I ever married again I wanted them to be right there with me ,” she says . “ Walking down the aisle with the two young men I love most toward my Jim was the best moment of my life .”
84 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2023