Our #OPALlovestorycontest Winner
This spring, we challenged our fans to build a tribute Pinterest board to their love. Ginny Dembek’s nine-year long-distance relationship, Whiteface proposal, and a Lake Placid wedding won us over.
Above photo © Tracey Buyce Photography
Love Long Distance
When starting their careers separated college sweethearts Dan and Ginny Dembek by plane rides and a number of states, they found creative ways to stay in touch, like late-night chats via Facetime and Skype or planning mini-getaways together. “We spent infinite time on the phone. A phone call after a busy day was one of the best things,” says Ginny.
College Sweethearts
“We fell in love around the beautiful elm trees and campus at Penn State University,” says Ginny.
Road Tripping
“Our trips together became the most significant memories of the relationship because of our time apart,” says Ginny about hiking the Adirondacks, slipping away to ski in New England, and their first real vacation together that sent them on a cruise to the Baja Peninsula.
Making Memories in the Mountains
“We were hiking Whiteface Mountain [New York] when Dan proposed to me,” says Ginny about why this area of Upstate New York is so special to the couple. “We both really like areas like that – rural and quiet. Right after he proposed, we went into Lake Placid and visited the Lake Placid Lodge. We knew it was the ideal location for our wedding.” Their engagement photos (above) were taken just one year after the proposal. “The surroundings brought back all of the memories of that weekend we spent together, celebrating the next chapter in our love story.”
Photo © Tracey Buyce
Riding the Rails
For this couple now based in New York City, commuting is actually a pleasure. “A lot of our time is spent on the subway. It is replacing a car in our time to talk and catch up,” says Ginny.
Inspired Love
Ginny added this pin of Dan’s grandparents as a tribute but also as a reflection of how they felt both of their families set great examples of love, support, and how to make each other laugh. “This was one of our last memories with Dan’s grandfather, at the Lake Placid Lodge at our wedding,” remembers Ginny.
Photo © Tracey Buyce
See Ginny’s complete Pinterest board here: #OPALlovestorycontest
