PATTI & ELLEN
Livingston, NJ and Bradley Beach, NJ
Patti, 56, physical education teacher
Ellen, 52, certified financial planner
Ellen and Patti thought they weren´t at all alike when they were introduced by friends 28 years ago, "but there was magic when we looked at each other," they say. And when they got to know each other better, they discovered deeper qualities. "I adore Patti´s heart and honesty. She has helped me become a more emotional person, in a good way! I discover new things to love about her every day," says Ellen. "Ellen is such a beautiful woman," says Patti, "both inside and out. Her kindness, thoughtfulness, and amazingly happy personality are only a few of the characteristics that make her so very special to me. …We have such a high respect for each other and laugh a lot." On May 30, 1992, they had a commitment ceremony, and a few years ago, got custody of their 16-year-old son. "Our parenting styles were so different, it caused some stress," says Ellen. "I was the disciplinarian and Ellen was ´The Wallet,´" says Patti. "[But] both methods worked, because Mike is now thriving and living on his own." This May 30, Ellen and Patti will be celebrating their anniversary by finally getting married legally in front of family and friends, although "we won´t be hyphenating our last names!" Ellen says. What´s in store for the future? "…Patti is retiring this year, so I am hoping we can enjoy even more quality time together, living life to the fullest."
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