Old Bridge couple wins 'How We Met' contest after meeting at Baskin-Robbins

Bars, blind dates and through best friends … everyone has their own "How We Met" story that proves that maybe, some things really are meant to be. 

In honor of Valentine's Day, the Courier News, Home News Tribune and MyCentralJersey.com, in partnership with Verve Restaurant in Somerville, asked our readers to relive their own romantic memories and share their "How We Met" story with us for a chance to win a $150 dinner at Verve. 

We were flooded with almost 30 stories of chance connections, fateful meetings and surprise encounters from readers of all ages and after some careful consideration and a few tissues, we knew we had to choose Carrie Kazmirek and her husband Mark Kazmirek of Old Bridge. Here's her "How We Met" story: 

"I met my husband when I was 16-years-old. I went to the mall with my friends looking for cute boys and I saw my future husband scooping ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. At first, my friends didn’t think he was the right one for me, so they took me all around the mall and pointed out all the guys they thought would be good for me. Finally at the end of the night, they were frustrated that I hadn’t liked any of their choices, so I told them I was still thinking about the cute guy at Baskin-Robbins. Luckily he was still working when we returned. I asked him for his phone number and we have been together ever since. This August we will celebrate 17 years of marriage. We have been together as a couple for 23 years and are still in love and have two beautiful children."

Carrie said that when she tells people her and her husband's "How We Met" story, they find it unbelievable as well as funny that she “picked him up while he was scooping ice cream as a teenager." Plus, they find it surprising that never once throughout high school or college did the two break up, a common situation for young couples. 

Since Mark is a UPS driver and will be working late on Valentine’s Day delivering romantic gifts for others, Carrie will cook him a special dinner at home for them to share as she does for each February 14.

When Carrie told him that she had won the contest, she said that he didn’t believe her at first but was then excited to see their story in the Courier News and Home News Tribune as well as to try a new romantic restaurant.

“Seeing our love story in the paper really means a lot,” Carrie said. “I was recently very ill. I was in the hospital for 10 days over Christmas and I was so sick, there were times I didn’t know if I would live. My husband was so supportive and perfect, it actually brought us closer together and I can’t wait to have a special evening with him and to see our story in print.”

Thank you so much to everyone who shared their love stories with us! You can read all of the heartwarming stories below: 

READ: Why do you love your Valentine? Meet the winners of our 2016 contest

Geri Bolanowski, Perth Amboy

"In high school I was dating Mike from the other side of town.  However, he was not old enough to drive and go on a date.    His next door neighbor, Bob, was kind enough to drive Mike to my house. One day on leave from the Air Force, Bob went to the high school to visit some of his friends and teachers.  When I saw him in his uniform, my eyes where only on him and his uniform. We started writing letters every day while he was in the service and saw each other when he came home on leave. We continued to see each other when he was discharged from the Air Force and 47 years later we are still married and still reminisce about that time of our first meeting."

Cheryl Reed, Flemington

"This isn’t your usual how we met story… It was Halloween, 2015, and I coaxed my husband of 30 years to go to New Hope for dinner.  Much to my delight, New Hope was packed with partygoers by 430! During dinner, due to close proximity of tables, we made small talk with a couple.  An hour later in the festive streets, we ran into them and joined them for a drink. Within a few minutes we were exchanging stories, secrets and phone #s.  It felt like we knew them forever!   We didn’t know what to make of this new relationship, but after getting together and having more fun each time and coming home without being drugged, kidnapped or worse, we began to think this was fate and meant to be!  We have met each other’s families, celebrated birthdays, talked about life and its twists and turns, and laughed…a lot!"

Carol Chichester, Somerville

"Predating “swipe left, swipe right” or even the internet, there were singles’ newsletters.  New to New Jersey, Rob subscribed to The Meeting Place in spring 1981 and answered 3 ads, one of them mine. Intrigued, I quickly reached out, beginning a six-week phone friendship filled with many lengthy calls.  We finally made a date, which I postponed when a girlfriend suggested a road trip to visit her grandparents. Two weeks later we finally met at Gasoline Alley in Berkeley Heights. It was the best first date ever, having logged so much previous phone time. That night turned into 3 years of dating, 34 years of marriage, 2 children, and 1 very new grandbaby. The rest of the love story is yet to be written. Happy Valentine’s Day, Sweetie! P.S. I was the only young lady to answer Rob’s letter.  I am referred to as “the default bride”.  Their loss."

Pat Zanoni, East Brunswick

"We were introduced at Newark Airport on the way to Cancun.  At the resort, Bud pursued me & found me at the pool. We made a “date” for dinner that night. I never made it – too much fun & sun. The next night, there was a party in a friend’s room. After some small talk in the kitchen, I sat at an outside table with others. He came out & everyone left to give us privacy. We made another “date” for the next day but then Hurricane Wilma hit. I was sent to a shelter, he stayed at the resort. 5 days later, I found him waiting outside my room. We hugged & kissed, so happy to see each other. I flew home on Wednesday, he came back on Friday. Our first real date was that night. The rest is history – 12 years later."

Ernest Rich

"About a year after my beloved wife, Ginny, passed away, I received a call from Ginny’s long-time friend, Barbara. We had been neighbors living down the street, but in time, moved away for my job. We were then single seniors. Barbara knew I was often visiting Ginny’s grave, but she didn’t think I knew there was a Catholic Mass said at the cemetery. So she called. “Did you know about the monthly Mass at Ginny’s cemetery? It’s for her and all the people there. Would you like to meet me there on Saturday so we can pray for Ginny together?” I said yes. After the Mass we visited Ginny’s grave then we went out to a restaurant for brunch. This became a regular thing each month.  So I a brand new look at Barbara as the vivacious and lovely woman that I am now happily married to."

Terry Wagner, Dunellen

"I was a lonely divorcee living in Kearny, he was a lonely divorcee living in Edison. My ad was written like an open letter – “where are you? We missed our walks in the fall leaves & snowball fights in the winter.”  Each response was just a “hey, I’d like to meet you”.  Then came this one that turned my head.  “Hey, I’m sorry, I got lost trying to find you up there in North Jersey, but I promise we’ll have that snowball fight, I saved some in the freezer for you!” We set up a date to meet and the man of my dreams walked in and swept me away.  He took on my three girls, and my chronic illness.  20 years later I can’t imagine my life without him by my side through all the good and all the bad. He is the hero in my life."

Cindy Whitesell, Bridgewater

"Great things come to those who wait.  I had given up on finding my soulmate.  Mutual friends had invited Dave to dinner.  As I walked up to the restaurant, my heart started fluttering like never before, and I knew this time it was different.  The whole evening went as if we knew each other forever.  Our friends invited us back for dessert, but Dave had to take a raincheck.  Fast forward a few weeks, and Dave came to our friends home to inquire about me and there I was.  We have been together since that day and will be celebrating our 2ND Wedding Anniversary on March 19th!  Not only did I find my soulmate a mile from my home, but I acquired an extended family.  I have a beautiful bonus daughter that I cherish.  As our wedding song goes, God Bless the Broken Road that led me Straight to you!!"

Carol Benner, Somerset

"I was fresh out of college when I started as a reporter for The Skywrighter, the Base newspaper at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio. Every year the paper ran a contest to choose an employee to be Miss Wright-Patterson and preside over Armed Forces Day. Some of my friends told me I should enter the contest, but since our office was running it, it was against the rules. Instead, I got to interview the young, single, military guys who would escort the contestants to various functions. There was one guy in particular I thought was pretty handsome, but I had to pair him up with one of the contestants for a dance at the Officers' Club. Somehow he managed to sneak away from his date long enough to ask me to dance. The rest is history. Richard and I celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary this year. Guess I won the contest after all!"

Linda Piscadlo, Somerset

"Bob and I are both in our late 50's and divorced.  Little did we know when we signed up on MATCH we would realize how much we actually had in common! We've been together sixteen months now, but it all started when Bob "liked" me on MATCH.  I returned the "like" and our conversation was very friendly but there was no "let's meet" until about a month later when I was sitting in church (of all places!) and saw this handsome man walking down the center aisle (later to find out it was obviously his church too!).  We definitely recognized each other from pictures on MATCH but given it was church, I was not about to begin a conversation and left immediately upon the end of Mass. I drove to the local Stop and Shop and sent him a MATCH text that simply said "Unless you have an identical twin, I believe we have just unofficially met!" ... to which he responded "You got me!" It still took him a few more conversations online before he finally asked me out for "a drink, a cup of coffee, or something" ...... which turned into a six and a half hour dinner date and lots of conversation! Among other things, we found out we live two and half miles apart in Somerset, NJ and had a love for music .. he joined our church's adult choir and we haven't stopped singing and enjoying life to its fullest since then."

Diane Smith, Piscataway

"Coming up on 50 years of marriage August 17th I can still remember when I met John Smith.  I was outside the Pizza Place on Manson Pl in Plainfield waiting on a friend.  While John was making his way into the Pizza Place he kissed every girl on the lips, including me.  I know I was bit by the love bug!  Within 30 minutes, my friends were enroute to a party.  Johnny and his friend offered to drive us and I hopped in the back seat while my friend got in the front with Johnny.  Next thing I know he asked me to sit up front and we switched seats.  During the party Johnny talked all night with me.  When we parted for the evening he grabbed me and gave me a kiss that tasted sweeter than wine and the true love affair continues to this day."

Colleen Colonna, Bridgewater

"My husband and I met in October 2002 at church. He used to take his father to the Saturday evening mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville and I used to take an elderly friend to that same mass. Every week I’d show up, and there he was with his father in the last row. I would always sit four rows in front of them. We didn’t know each other and we never spoke, but I always noticed him and his dad. Months went by and I only saw him at church. Concerned, I stopped him after mass and asked if everything was okay with his father.  He told me his father passed in September (2002). Ever since that day, we would talk to each other either after mass or on the phone. We dated, fell in love and then got married November 2005. Our love story!"

Tillie Kahle, East Brunswick

"A new school year. A new carpool rider. A new friend. And the love of my life! Serendipity! Rhode Island being the smallest state enabled college students to be commuters.  Luckily for me that made it possible to meet my future husband. A transfer student who joined my carpool was responsible for my meeting a sailor stationed in Newport, RI. As part of the commissioning crew of the USS Macdonough(DLG-8).  She was dating someone on the USS Macdonough who was looking for a date for his friend. A blind date was arranged by them. Prophetically, our first date was the original Parent Trap movie – here we are 54 years later with 5 children, 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild."

Christina Wolff, South Amboy

"He grew up in Rahway and I grew up in Somerset. My best friend at the time had a Christmas party Senior of (1992-1993), she lived in Fords. He was there at the Christmas party but really didn't notice him as my Best friend was dating him. They broke up several times through the years. My best friend and I used to go to Colorado Café all the time on the weekends. One day in June of 1998, while we were there, she said to me, hey that's my ex-boyfriend, George. I was like I don't remember him. She noticed that he was with some other girl. So at Colorado Café they do a dance called, "barn dance" where the guys are in the inside and the girls are on the outside and we switch partners and dance with everyone. He finally gets to me and I say hello, I heard you dated ***. He said yes, I asked him who he was with, he said a friend, he just told my Best friend that she was his Girlfriend as he didn't want her to ask him out again. We didn't get each other's number that night. I went again a week or two later to see if he was there and he was. We talked and exchanged numbers. As of July 1, 1998 we have been together. My parents moved to VA and asked me if I wanted to go. I said to my father, "dad, I think George is the one, I'm going to stay here and see how it works out." He proposed July 1, 2001 at a little Italian restaurant in Clark. We got married April 2003 and had our first and only daughter, Katelynn in December 2008. We are still married to this day."

Paula Windus, Somerville

"At the University of Vermont in 1966, when I was a freshman, there was a tradition of MERP Week in October (Men’s Economic Recovery Program). Women asked the men out and paid for the date so the men could economically recover. My roommate Linda asked another freshman out for the Friday night of MERP week when there was a MERP dance - inconveniently held off campus, therefore necessitating some form of transportation other than walking.  Her date Mickey didn’t have a car but he was pledging a fraternity and knew an upperclassman in Theta Chi who did.  Mickey said – you get my friend a date and we’ll all go together in his car.  I was the date and Charlie was the junior with a car.   He gave me his Theta Chi pin at the end of my freshman year, and we were married two weeks after I graduated in 1970.  Married 48 years in 2018!"

Joan Singer, Old Bridge 

"We actually met 50 years ago, too young to get married, waited five years later we were happily married and 44 years late still married today! We met on a paddleball court in Brooklyn when we were 16 and I am so happy I knew how to play when I was younger. My husband and his friends were passing through the park and my girlfriend knew him and the love story began... Since our wedding day on June 3, 1973 we have been remarried by Elvis in Vegas with some of our friends from our first wedding and this time my son as our best man. We plan on getting remarried again however the date is TBD but we'll let you know!"  

Jennifer Awad, Monroe

"My boyfriend Jay and I met December 2013 through Facebook, he lived in West Texas and I in Central NJ. We became an item over the phone Jan. 2, 2014 and engaged in a 2000 mile LDR until his first visit to NJ in Feb when I picked him up at Newark airport. He returned to W. Texas and came again in May to visit. He moved to NJ in August that year to be with me and my 2 children. We share a passion for Mustangs and drag race together at local racetracks. Our future plans are to be engaged and married. Who says LDR's don't work because we are proof they can work and indeed last!"

Tara Feury, Annandale

"We met in the female prison (and don't worry I wasn't an inmate!) I never knew I'd be in a prison laying eyes on my future husband, a lieutenant at the time. We were from the same area and started talking a bit. I had stopped dating someone and joined match.com. Chris had been going to a new church and prayed to meet a woman to marry (coincidentally the church I have belonged to my whole life!) He also then joined match.com. I saw him on match.com and messaged him about a local bar we had always talked about (Rockys?....and my phone number). He called me that night and we met up. We married shortly after in the same church I grew up in and he had prayed for a woman to marry. Over three years later and a two year old daughter...life couldn't get any better than this!We met in the female prison (and don't worry I wasn't an inmate!) I never knew I'd be in a prison laying eyes on my future husband, a lieutenant at the time. We were from the same area and started talking a bit. I had stopped dating someone and joined match.com. Chris had been going to a new church and prayed to meet a woman to marry (coincidentally the church I have belonged to my whole life!) He also then joined match.com. I saw him on match.com and messaged him about a local bar we had always talked about (Rockys?....and my phone number). He called me that night and we met up. We married shortly after in the same church I grew up in and he had prayed for a woman to marry. Over three years later and a beautiful  daughter...life couldn't get any better than this!"

Elisa Almond, Annandale

"10 years ago I met my husband, Rick, and his 2 best friends while we were playing poker at a restaurant.  I ended up beating one of his best friends to get first place, and that guy asked me out that night.  After dating for a few months, we broke up and Rick’s other best friend promptly asked me out.  By then I was close with their group and decided to go on a few dates with him.  After realizing that wasn’t working out, we decided we were better off as friends.  Rick then asked me if I would consider dating him.  I said, “Sure, might as well complete the trifecta!” We’ve now been married for 7 years, and have a 5 year old daughter and a 5 month old son.  Guess I saved the best for last!  P.S. His best friends were the best men at our wedding!"

Francine Miraglia, Old Bridge

"April 27, 1996, My mother was attending a wedding in Jackson. My father got called away on business , so she needed a date. Thankfully she did! As I entered the catering hall I recognized the DJ right away. He was an old friend. He introduced me to his co-worker, Michael! I knew right away he was “the one”.  Michael and I started talking at the bar. I told him I thought he was a great DJ and maybe he could DJ my wedding. He asked when I was getting married and my response was “ I don’t know , when are we getting married?”  That night was meant to be for us, two people who probably never would have met if not for my father having to go out of town. Michael and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary next year and we have 3 sons. I feel blessed to have met him and share a wonderful life together!"

Kristin Madan, Flemington

"We took the same class in college and never spoke to each other.  I recognized him in another class the following semeseter but still never spoke to him.  We had to do a class project and I was in a group with three other girls.  He asked to join our group and I tried to convince everyone that five people were too many.  We would never be able to all meet up and work on the project.  They let him join anyway and we were the only two that could ever match out schedules.  We started talking all the time, spending every moment together, and officilaly started dating three months later.  After 12 years of knowing each other we are best friends, just celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary, our daughter will be 3 in a few weeks, and our son is due at the end of March."

Tamica Van Dunk, Scotch Plains

"I drove to Jersey City one Saturday night to take the PATH to a friend’s housewarming party in NYC. I’m not very familiar with the PATH trains and on my way home, I got off at the wrong stop. While walking around JC to find my car my future husband stopped me to see if I needed help. He offered to walk me to my car, which I politely declined #strangerdanger. Then he asked for my phone number. We had dinner that Monday and are celebrating our third wedding anniversary this summer."

Lauren Spruill, Old Bridge

"Our story is that he had picked up a side job during the summer because he was bored! So he picked up a landscaping job. Just so happened that his company had a contract with the town homes i lived in at the time. From the first time i saw him, mowing the lawn, I would wait every Monday to see him outside. Once i FINALLY got the courage, I took my nephew for a walk and my chipper nephew was the one who broke the ice!  He wanted to see a lawnmower up close so he asked! Which gave me the chance to meet my hubby. We've been together for over six years and have two boys together! We married in November. Best walk I ever took in my life."

Gina Galileo, Monroe 

"Freddie had been a friend of my cousin since high school... so we seen each other often and even had other relationships when we “knew” each other. One summer night in 2005, Freddie was with my cousin and they decided to prank call me non stop over and over. Finally, Freddie told me who he was and asked if I wanted to hang out with them and picked me up. Not thinking that anything would come out of it, I remember talking to him all night that night on AOL (yes, we’re getting old... AOL instant messenger) since that night we have been inseparable!!! 13 years together, 7 years married and two beautiful kids!"