He asked. She said yes. And so it begins…

One might say this sweet match was written in the stars, although complicated by time and proximity. Lined up against the odds yet a sure-fire thing, with generational pulls back to this very spot despite meeting on the West Coast. Why amble along the Hudson with the brilliance of Lady Liberty shinning down on them? Undoubtedly, the clearest response is family. Her’s with a direct hand in replacing the iconic torch, and his as part of a 5 generation tug boat company headquartered in the New York harbor. Destiny had a strong arm in bringing these two together, and we are all grateful they consented.

Libby hails from two men, both operating engineers, whose accomplishments include repairing our nation’s favorite gift from France. “Local 825 of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) was involved with work on the Statue of Liberty’s torch. Specifically, a member of IUOE Local No. 825, Brother Richard Kaminski, (and his son Richard Kaminski Jr.), were involved in replacing the original torch with an exact replica during the Statue’s restoration project that took place from 1982 to 1986. The original torch had been damaged by water and was replaced with a new one crafted to match Bartholdi’s original design and then gilded” (I.U.O.E.). Knowing her Pop-Pop and Dad were part of this tremendous undertaking, lends greater significance and pride as her brothers continued the tradition as members of the Local 825.

A New Jersey girl, Libz is sunshine and sparkle, without an ounce of judgement. She brings wit and spunk to this union, along with the biggest heart imaginable. One can sense from which she hails when reading her grandfather’s own words:  “Lifting the torch at the Statue of Liberty was the proudest thing I’ve ever done,” Kaminski told a New York newspaper after running the crane that lifted the torch into place on a pedestal 300 feet above New York Harbor. “It was something I did for all America. Something I can tell my grandchildren about. Something my grandchildren will tell their children” (I.U.O.E.). Indeed they will.

Kyrie J knew he had to be on the water under the shadow of Lady Liberty when he asked for her hand as this harbor and the tugs that work tirelessly within it is also part of his legacy. The McAllister company comes “From humble beginnings with an Irish immigrant working with a sail lighter moving cargo from Brooklyn to Manhattan, the company has grown to operate from 13 locations along the U.S. East Coast from Maine to Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Being in operation continuously for 160 years makes the company one of the oldest marine towing and transportation companies in the United States. It is also one of only a handful of family-owned companies still in business that date to the 1860s or before. Today it is headed by Chairman and CEO B. Buckley McAllister, the great-great-grandson of founder Captain James McAllister” (The Maritime Executive). Six generations from Captain Jim, Kyrie is always eager to celebrate his maritime legacy, and this momentous occasion was no exception.

Kyrie collects friends everywhere he goes, with a genuine interest in making life a wonderful one. A work hard, play hard type of guy, but beyond that he is a joy maker for everyone who claims him. His great-uncle and former owner of McAllister Towing and Transportation stated “In his commencement speech to the 2017 graduates of SUNY Maritime, McAllister told the graduates that the secret to his success had been a good education, the willingness to take on new challenges, and the luck of having many friends to help him to seize opportunities” (Workboat). Sounds like the very blueprint that Kyrie follows.

As luck would have it, Elizabeth and Kyrie met on a SoCal beach several years ago, and quickly leaned into a solid friendship that is palpable to those around them. They travel well, whether to a rooftop on the Italian coast or to a forest in Oregon, you can find them laughing and joyous. They are a boundless twosome who are a force for good.

Home for them is now California, having both followed older siblings across the country. They rarely miss a sunset together. Or a family dinner. Or an avenue to improve their physical or mental wellbeing, (and yours too!). Am I painting too wonderful a picture? Not for these two, nope, it’s all true.

But through all the Cali fun they remember their East Coast roots and family and visit when possible. These two have a knack that brings everyone together, expanding their circle, and making us all grateful to be part of their tribe.

Not only is their alliance romantic, but they have started a company together too. With @vibelizabeth_ behind the camera and @kyrieclass directing strategic digital content, they have become a dynamite duo shaping multiple small businesses media branding, already gaining a reputation for capturing the unique vision for many Los Angeles innovators, and stretching beyond their company’s hopes and dreams daily.

All the grandiose aside, when love happens, one feels renewed hope, and in these troubled times, I can’t think of a better remedy than fostering that emotion. We all need to continue to believe in that hope despite the wildfires and floods and twisters and general turmoil that is spiking for everyone on our tiny planet. Dark days are numerous but when a tiny spark grows into a glimmer of optimism, I am grateful for the glow, and with this couple, the sky is lit. In this I am indebted.

Mazel tov my loves, I am so very excited for all you will create together, xxoo