In late Spring 2023, Mindy and Michael went to visit Mindy’s parents in Naples, Italy. This was the perfect opportunity for Michael to finally pop the question. The couple spent a captivating and memorable week traveling around Capri and the Amalfi Coast before Michael and Mindy split off to go to Rome, where Michael had a surprise planned for her.

Furnished with Mindy’s grandmother’s wedding ring, slightly altered to suit his love’s taste, Michael racked his brain for the perfect time and place to propose. He needed somewhere not only beautiful, but intimate and a good one-liner before the proposal. Rained out at the Bourbon Palace at Caserta, Michael needed an alternative, and with much meditation came the answer - the Trevi Fountain. The gorgeous site is renowned as the meeting place for lovers, there was no more perfect place in the eternal city. Normally packed to the gills, the two found an opening right in front of the fountain as if guided there by some divine intervention.

At the Trevi Fountain, Michael handed Mindy a Euro Coin and asked her to make a wish and throw it over her left shoulder with her right hand--a custom which legend says will ensure your wish and return to Rome.

While the coin sunk into the fountain's water, Michael asked Mindy what she wished for. Mindy replied that she wished for a long and happy life with him. Michael told her that he wished the same thing and quickly got down on one knee, pulling out a blue ring box.

“Melinda Maconi, Will you marry me?” he asked. She happily said, “Yes!” and donned the beautiful ring. The couple spent the rest of their vacation celebrating the start of this next chapter of their lives.

Michael and Mindy are thrilled to invite you to be a part of this life-changing ceremony at the Italian Club in Ybor, in honor of both their life in Ybor and their Italian adventures. L'amore eterno dura!