The PlentyOfFish $100,000 Wedding Contest!

18 months ago I walked into the flower shop. The lady behind the counter looked at me with a sympathetic expression and said, "Hi Ed, another pink rose?" "Yup", I replied with a sigh. "Is this just a waste of time?" I wondered. "This flower lady must think I'm pathetic," I thought. "4th pink rose in 4 months. Good grief!" Little did I know I was about to meet the woman of my dreams. Little did I know that she would keep the silly pink rose, press its petals, and save them in a keepsake box I'd build for her. Little did I know she would steal my discouraged heart. Little did I know I had just bought my last pink rose. Only red roses from now on! "It's time", said Sharon. "You've taken a break for a couple of months now. Let's activate your profile again. You've been reflecting for long enough. It's time to get back out and have some fun."It's been a quiet, peaceful summer, I thought. "Do I really want to do this again?" Two weeks later while sorting through pics and profiles, Sharon asked, "What's this "favorites" list?" I explained to her that I haven't looked at who has "favorited" me because I read through the emails first. Eagerly and curious SHE clicked on who favorited me. "Whoa! Whose that?" I exclaimed as I immediately added him to MY list of favorites. Next, an email: "Seeing that we're both on each other's favorites list, we should probably say hello" he said. And so, it began! From that fateful "right click" of the mouse, to driving in a hurricane as he races to my house. First date feeling bliss, plan date two before the the night is through. Counting dates, joining fates, counting down minutes, now we're really in it. Meet the parents with his daughter in tow? Can we pull this off? The rest, we hope you'll want to know.

What was the biggest hurdle you’ve faced as a couple?

I now commute over an hour each way to work every day since moving in with him. But I love my new home and it's been his since he was a child. He felt it a stable place for his daughter too.

What are you planning for your big day? Wedding details?

A small (unless we win) ceremony overlooking Onset Bay by Cape Cod with immediate family and closest friends; Can't wait to see my nephews dance with his daughter as they celebrate becoming cousins.

Is there a moment or shared experience that still makes both of you laugh out loud?

My dad was watching over Ed's shoulder while he was building our patio. After a few hours Ed walked in the house. "Where's my dad?" I asked. "I sent him to buy a shovel." Ed replied. We both laughed knowing we didn't need any more shovels.

What advice would you give other POF members looking to find that special someone on POF?

Just put yourself out there and don't give up. Each person you meet brings insight to prepare you for Mr. or Mrs. Right. Stay honest about who you are and what you want. Remember a bad day of fishing, beats a good day alone (last part HIS advice).