Adventurous Spirits
Congrats to Morgan and Mark, a beautiful couple with a truly beautiful story! Mark is an above the knee amputee and competed on Team USA in the Paralympic Team Triathlon! Here is their detailed love story, told in Morgan’s own words…
How did you meet?
Mark helped start Catapult, a non-profit organization that helps athletes with disabilities in their pursuit of sport. I, Morgan, work for UT Orthopedics, and we have been one of the sponsors for Catapult’s annual gala since the augural year. Mark was the keynote speaker for the gala, as he himself is an above-the-knee amputee with a passion for sport. I was very impressed with him, as he seemed to not let anything get him down, having fought and beat bone cancer, continuing on to become a nurse and pay his appreciation forward to help others, and not letting his disability hold him back as he competed for The USA on the Paralympic Team in triathlon; he had sparked my interest.
How Did Mark Propose
While vacationing in Italy, we stayed in Anacapri, which is the mountainous portion of the Island of Capri. Day two after breakfast, we set off to the chair lift in town, Monte Solaro. Once at the top, we saw a family doing some hiking and asked where they were going. The father told us, he, his two children, and wife were walking to a hermitage for coffee, something they travel to the island to do annually. There, we walked to the church of Santa Maria a Cetrella. It was gorgeous —something out of a movie. We proceeded through the small chapel to the back terrace set on a cliff edge, covered with bougainvillea with purple and pink flowers. Mark knew that once we arrived that he would need to bring out the proposal ring for her and propose on the spot.
How Did Mark Select the Ring?
Mark met with Jonathan and Michelle Zadok, who were beyond kind and generous with their time and talents. Jonathan spent four hours with Mark, going over different varieties, looks, and ideas. Mark’s time with Jonathan and Michelle gave him a tremendous amount of ease and confidence, knowing he was getting the best proposal ring. I did not have the slightest idea of what type of ring I wanted. Mark knew he wanted a thin band with a single style statement piece. The ring that Mark, Jonathan, and Michelle picked out is out of this world gorgeous! It’s perfect!
Why Did You Choose Zadok Jewelers?
We chose Zadok because of their incredible quality and individuality, and because they are simply one of the best jewelers in Houston. Mark and I both know and adore Michelle Zadok. I cheered with Michelle on the Houston Texans, sharing some of the most incredible moments together. Mark has been a classmate of Michelle’s at UT Health for the last few years. Michelle has always told us that when the time comes, Zadok will guide us when selecting a ring for a proposal.
Do You Have Any Wedding Plans?
Our hopes are to host a destination wedding in Guatemala — to have an experience planned out for our friends and family to include the bachelor/bachelorette, welcome party, and more, with everyone invited, boating around Lake Atitlan, and hiking the various volcanoes, enjoying the food, people, and dancing!
Any Honeymoon Plans Yet?
Honestly, we haven’t even thought about it. Somewhere full of adventure, delectable food, and lovely people, and somewhere new for both of us. We had planned to go to Norway before COVID, so maybe we revisit that idea.
