Daniel and Kendra met a year ago at Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing. They were both brought out by friends, but weren't introduced to each other.

"I saw the most beautiful girl on the floor," remembers Daniel. He went straight up to her and asked her to dance. "I wanted to get to know this girl with the 'million-watt smile' and an amazing laugh that could make you young again."

He danced with her a few times, but soon had to leave to take care of a sick friend who came along with him. But what remained ringing for the next few days were the "echoes of her joyous laughter."

Kendra had lived in New York City for 3 years at this point, but had never met Daniel (who lived in NYC for 7 years), despite having a few common fellow California-transplant friends. She kept herself pretty busy with her Chinatown community work. There had been guys-a-plenty who have chased after her, but Kendra continued to guard her heart and her singleness to hold out for the right guy. No man who crossed her path was ever the good fit.

Daniel started going to other dance events feigning a growing interest in salsa, but secretly hoping to spot her again each time. After a few weeks, his determination paid off. There she was on a date with another guy, (who, btw, did not have a real chance). Dan managed to steal a dance and phone number and they went out the next week. Flash forward a few summer weeks later. They exchanged a first kiss, and Kendra buried her head in her hands and laughed, "I can't believe I'm calling someone my boyfriend for the first time!"

They describe their journey of growing together in New York as "a parade down Broadway."

"There's a lot of cheering and confetti from friends as we steadily march," said Daniel. "We move together at a good pace learning to enjoy each other. She has an incredible ability to be gracious and kind. It has lifted my head and has been a bedrock to build hope on. But I also love her competitive spirit as she refuses to give up in Connect Four, the silly and carefree ways she lays out on the grass playing with the stars, and the weight of our values as our conversation bares our convictions."

Kendra loves how Daniel makes her feel comfortable, and for his adventurous spirit that draws her out to experience life to the full. She loves "how patient he is whether it's introducing me to chess or teaching me statistics." She has a new confidence to go with that spring in her step as Daniel encourages her and brings out her voice, to where even her parents have taken notice.

For the two of them, there is one afternoon that paints why they want to be together.

Daniel had read about a secret garden in the City, and spontaneously planned an afternoon date to check it out. "We barely made it one avenue when the clouds darkened overhead and caught us by surprise. We were both getting drenched to the bone."

He thought, "Maybe we should turn back."

As he turned to complain to Kendra, she wore her bright smile and joyously declared, "I LOVE this weather!"

Daniel no longer cared that it was raining and they happily explored the garden's waterfalls. "This small moment made me realize that I would consider it all joy to be caught in the rain with Kendra for the rest of my life."

It's been an amazing ride and they look forward to September 2010 when they finally tie the knot. They look forward to knowing each other deeply through the joys and trials. Even now, Kendra has just started grad school for public administration to work to diminish city poverty and together they try to find ways to pay for rent and a wedding.

"No matter what storm clouds are headed our way, we know we have a willing partner to dance with. Through romantic secret getaways and through seasoned hardships, we're committed to each other, even if we're dancing in the rain."

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