Last weekend, I attended (and was also in) my dear friends' wedding in a Virginia suburb of Washington DC.  And as cheesy and cliché as this will sound, I, the world's biggest pessimist (when it comes to love), could not possibly be happier for a couple.  Hung and Megan's story is the epitome of romance, fate, and quite the modern-day fairytale.  I don't think I've ever seen two people more (mutually) head-over-heels in love with each other.

Please enjoy reading the speech that I gave at Hung and Megan's wedding reception!  Here you will learn how The Lunch Belle played a role in their courtship.  I hope that their story reignites your belief in love.

"What's meant to be will always find a way."  ~Trisha Yearwood~

I've been friends with Miss Megan now for four years.  We met as provisional volunteers, a.k.a. the "incoming freshman class," at a non-profit organization.  I was instantly attracted to Megan's sweet nature, sharp mind and her undying trust and loyalty.  Actually, to be quite honest, we initially bonded over swapping dating stories from hell.  And here we are, four years later!  The only thing that's changed is the fact that I'm the only one still complaining about the drama of dating in NYC.   

In the fall of 2007, I began writing a food website called "The Lunch Belle" in my spare time.  By January 2008, I'd developed a small following of readers who would frequently send me emails for restaurant suggestions or leave comments about my work.  Here's an inquiry I received on January 10, 2008:

Name: Hung
Company: N/A
Question/comment: Lunch Belle,

Great website!  Love your blogs.  In need of advice.  I've got a hot date on Friday night.  Some background, both of us are NYC professionals in early 30s.  Adventurous, but not too big on "velvet" rope type of scene.  Wanted some good ideas for a cool, romantic restaurant for 1st date.  Any good ideas?

Appreciate the advice!

Regards,
Hung      

After a few email exchanges with Hung, I was confident that I'd given him a nice array of "first date" destinations:

Lunch Belle…great feedback.  I'm going with "N" in Soho.  I'll be quizzing you again in the near future as I expect this quarter to be a busy social life for me!  Thanks again and keep blogging your opinions! Regards, Hung

Jan 18, 2008, eight days after Hung's initial email, I received a follow-up from him:

Lunch Belle! I'm back for additional feedback!  Well, I've made it to date #2 with an awesome woman.  BTW your recommendation for N in Soho was terrific!  So, we're headed to Holy Basil Thai in the East Village for dinner tonight.  Wanted to get some recommendations for a nice & romantic lounge in the East Village.  We are eating at 2nd Ave b/w 9th & 10th.  So, I usually hit Angel's Share, Marion's, PDT, etc... Checking to see if you recommend any additional locations in East Village.  Look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Hung

"Gosh," I remember thinking to myself, "if only more guys in this city cared enough about planning the perfect date like Hung.  What a special guy.  I sure hope that this "awesome woman" knows just how lucky she is." 

I hadn't seen Megan for a number of months, and we'd been meaning to get together for the longest time.  Finally, we nailed down a brunch date for Feb 10, 2008 at a new Italian small-plates restaurant called "Bar Stuzzichini."  "Meg, I can't believe you beat me here.  This is my neighborhood, after all," I said while plopping down in to the banquette.  After briefly catching up on small talk, we began discussing our favorite topic: dating.  "Ha!  What's new?  Oh come on girl, I'm as single as ever.  Not a darn thing different from the last time I saw you," I chuckled.  "What about you?"  Megan blushed, looked down at her plate, and then smiled.  "I met the most amazing guy," she gushed, "he's sweet, funny, smart, handsome...and he's a total foodie!" 

"Oh Meg!!  I'm so happy for you!  And you know that all you had to say was the word 'foodie' to get my approval." 

"But here's the craziest part...he's heard of The Lunch Belle and said that he's written you before." 

"Really?"  I asked.  "What's his name?"

"His name is Hung," Megan replied. 

"What?  No, you're kidding!  Really??  So you're the 'awesome woman' he's been emailing me about!"  I filled Megan in on Hung's adorable emails and said, "If you end up marrying this guy, I want to be in the wedding and you've got to let me give a speech!"  Megan just smiled and looked at me with a brilliant sparkle in her eyes.  "Well, you've got my blessing.  When can I meet him?  We all must go to dinner ASAP!!"

And the rest, as you can see, is history.

The fact that I'm standing up here tonight, giving this speech is almost too surreal.  About a month after the three of us realized how magical our situation was, Megan and I arranged a dinner date so that Hung and I could finally meet in person.  From the moment we shook hands, I knew that Hung was someone special.  His effervescence is magnetic, and the chemistry between him and Megan is magical.  I knew right then that my dear friend had found her prince charming and that it was only a matter of time before she'd be engaged.  I hate to say it, but the phrase, "when you meet the right person, you just know," is true.  It really does "just click." 

Meg and Hung, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your special day.  Your love story has shown me that fairy tales do come true and has reignited my belief in romance.  I am so blessed to have you both in my life.  All my love and happiest wishes to you!

…

Until we eat again,

Lindsay, The Lunch Belle