THE BRIDE-TO-BE

Marilu Perez Lazo is the daughter and only child of Dr. Tadeo S. Lazo and Mrs. Ligaya P. Lazo.  She was born on April 10th in New York City, and grew up in Rockland County, NY.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology.  She previously worked in the fashion industry as Bridal Stylist for Vera Wang, and Account Coordinator for Nine West Corporate.  She decided to make a career change, and is presently back in college studying to become a Registered Nurse.  Her birthstone is Diamond and her zodiac sign is Aries.  She stands 5'4'' tall and has jet black hair and dark brown eyes.  Some of her hobbies include cooking, baking, dining out, shopping (specifically shoes!), jogging, watching the Food Network, and spending quality time with her fiance Karl!

THE GROOM-TO-BE

Karl Harrison Merring is the son and third child of Mr. Kenneth H. Merring and the late Mrs. Eileen E. Merring.  He was born on December 23rd in New York City, and grew up in Staten Island, NY.  He moved to Rockland County, NY with his father, his brother Eric, and his sister Veronica in December 1995.  He earned degrees in Graphic Design and Advertising from the Fashion Institute of Technology.  He currently works as a Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Contractor, and Restaurant Manager.  As you can see, he is definatly a jack-of-all-trades!  His birthstone is Blue Topaz and his zodiac sign is Capricorn.  He stands 6'2'' tall and has ash blond hair and baby blue eyes.  Some of his hobbies include Poker (specifically Texas Hold'em - friday nights), drawing, designing, lifting weights, watching the Cartoon Network, cooking his famous Braised Ribs, and spending quality time with his fiancee Marilu!

OUR LOVE STORY VIDEO

HOW WE MET

Marilu & Karl originally met in 1996. Marilu was President of the Asian Club in Spring Valley H.S.,  Karl was a member of the Asian Club in Ramapo H.S. (the white guy of the club!) Joint meetings would occur. May 31, 1999 Marilu bumped into Karl at the Palisades Mall. Marilu mentioned that she was transferring from Manhattanville College to the Fashion Institute of Technology. Karl gave her his phone # to "compare class schedules."  Sept 2, 1999 Marilu coincidently sat next to Karl on a bench at FIT. They took a double-take look into each other's eyes, & she said "Hey! I know you! Karl?" He replied "Hi Marilu,  you never called me!" They spent the rest of the break between classes chatting, & met after class to take the subway & bus rides back to Rockland County together. From this point on, they were inseperable,  officially deciding to date on Sept 26, 1999.

THE PROPOSAL

May 20, 2005 during a vacation to Disney World FL, Karl & Marilu took a picture together in front of Cinderella's Castle after the 10pm fireworks show: The song 'A dream is a wish your heart makes' played in the surroundings. Karl turned to Marilu, looked into her eyes & said: "THIS IS SUCH A MAGICAL PLACE... LET'S GIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER A TRY" Then he bent down on one knee, presented a self designed three stone diamond & blue topaz platinum engagement ring and asked: "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" She said "ARE YOU SERIOUS! YES!" She was so excited & grabbed the ring to place it on her own finger! Then the song 'Can you feel the love tonight' played. Karl picked Marilu up & twirled her around & around in pure joy!