The Wedding Story of... Albert & Amanda Stefani

"Finally!"

In rare circumstances, married couples can boast a high school sweetheart past. Even more exceptional is the story of Amanda Kimp and Albert Stefani.

On December 12, 1997 the entire room of seventh grade art class students looked on as Albert Stefani stood up to the challenge of a friend's dare. Amanda Kimp heard the question, "Will you be my date to the Christmas Dance?" and soon realized her crush, Albert, was directing the question to her. Excitement and happiness overwhelmed her, almost as much as her embarrassment. She had always dreamed of the opportunity, but never imagined she would share the moment with all of her peers, or teacher.

Despite nerves, Amanda gave her consent and Albert smiled as he took his seat, proud of his successfully played dare. Knowing about the longtime infatuation, Amanda's friend leaned over and whispered into her ear, "Finally!"

From that point forward it seemed natural for the two to fall in love and desire constant togetherness. As a thirteen year-old, Albert did not let anything, even his inability to drive, hold him back from seeing his girl. After promising to visit, Albert walked a cool six miles to Amanda's house one afternoon. Looking out the window as he approached, Amanda asked herself in astonishment, "Is that really him?!"

Tickled by his tenacity, Amanda remembers her mother being fond of Albert immediately. "My family loves him and always has," Amanda comments.

Many years passed and the two became inseparable. In order to commemorate their special anniversary on December 12, the couple visited Clementine’s in South Haven, MI every year for their favorite: deep fried mushrooms.

But in 2006 Albert had a different idea. The usual tradition of celebrating their nine years of dating went according to plan. After dinner at Clementine's, Albert intentionally drove past an ice skating rink nearby and, to his delight, Amanda took the bait. As she noticed her surroundings, Amanda earnestly suggested they try the sport for fun, seeing as how she had never skated before. Little did she know, Albert had arranged for the rink to be closed to the public, but open just for them. Atop a sheet of ice in the glow of lights from above, Albert and Amanda shared an intimate skate for two, and, without slipping, managed to ask for Amanda's hand in marriage on bended knee.

Albert and Amanda’s wedding day on April 12, 2008 was, in their own words, a "very easy and comfortable day." Amanda shares, "We received a lot of compliments. Guests were saying it was the most relaxed wedding they had even been to." After such a long courtship, family and friends were happy to celebrate the couple’s much anticipated union and coined the word of the day, "Finally!" which could be heard on numerous occasions during the event.

Coming full circle, their seventh grade fifth hour art class teacher called to congratulate them after the wedding. Even if she didn't say the word, it is likely she, too, was thinking it: "FINALLY!"