OUR STORY
​Her Story
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Laura was born in Hungary on December 7, 1986.
Her mom is a theatre professional (actress, director, playwright, entrepreneur) and her father a teacher, lory driver and now works for the Hungarian Philharmonic Orchestra. She spent her youth in Budapest, spending summers at Lake Balaton. When Laura graduated High School, she had a desire to expand her horizons. She took her first flight at age 18, traveled to the UK (to her parent’s chagrin, due to distance), and enrolled in an English language program. During her university studies back in Budapest, Laura studied abroad in Germany, as part of the Erasmus program, and learned German.
Upon returning and finishing her studies, and after holding a few jobs with different companies, Laura applied for an opportunity with JTI. Michael is very thankful that she did!
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His Story
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Michael was born in Puerto Rico on December 5, 1982.
He has a brother, Stephen (married with two children) and a sister, Lisa. His mother was a teacher for many years before dedicating herself to raising a family. His Father was an international business man, now retired. Michael grew up following his family around the world (due to his father’s job), living in Puerto Rico, Brazil, Spain, USA, Hong Kong, and Geneva before attending university in Washington DC. After graduating, Michael worked in government and politics for over 6 years before moving to St. Louis, MO for his MBA studies. In March 2013, Michael moved to New York for an opportunity with JTI and the rest is history.
Our Story
Michael and Laura met in Teaneck, NJ in March 2013. It was Michael’s first day working for JTI while Laura was on her third rotational assignment (both were on a JTI trainee program). On that fateful day, Laura popped her head over Michael’s cubicle to introduce herself and offer any help to the new guy. They hit it off immediately. It was an added benefit that the company provided housing to both in the same building in New York City. That evening, Michael and Laura went back to the City together on the bus and went to dinner. The next day, walking through Port Authority, Laura looked at Michael and said, “can you believe we just met yesterday.” They have been best friends since.
In Oct. 2013, Laura moved from the US to Vienna and Michael continued his trainee program over the next two years. They traveled often to visit each other and family. Finally, in July 2015, Laura was offered a position in Geneva and they moved in together.
The Proposal
Asking her Parents...
Michael knew Laura was THE ONE for quite some time and, apparently, so did many others. Michael’s parents kindly reminded him that he was going to lose her if he dragged his feet. His Mom, from time to time, would sing “Single Ladies” to make her point. Michael’s friends, in one way or another, wondered aloud “why hasn’t he proposed!?” By March 2016 Michael had decided it was time to buy a ring, but first he wanted to get Laura’s parents’ permission. Unfortunately, Michael does not speak Hungarian (although he wants to learn) and her parents do not speak English.
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Michael contacted Laura's good friend to help him translate a letter he wrote to her parents asking for permission. Thankfully, her mother visited in late spring and Michael waited until Laura was out of the apartment to share the letter. Laura’s mother was overwhelmed and pleased… and gave Michael a resounding YES!
Laura’s father visited a month later and Michael devised a similar plan. He was a bit more nervous presenting the letter to her Father. After reading the letter, it took a minute (an eternity in Michael’s mind), before he looked and said, in English, “OK” with a smile. What a relief!
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It was time to buy a ring. Admittedly, Michael should have found a ring before asking her parents for permission. Through family friends, Michael found the perfect stone and ring. However, it was in London. Michael took advantage of business trips to visit the store and see the stone and design the ring…a process that took almost 5 months. Nonetheless, in December 2016 the ring was in his possession. In the meantime, Laura’s parents waited with great anticipation, wondering if Michael was ever going to ask (as they were keeping it a secret from Laura).
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On December 17, returning from a business trip in China, Michael finally proposed. He arrived that morning and told Laura that he wanted to stay awake and they should go for dinner, so he can reacclimate to the time. Laura, the caring and wonderful individual that she is, wanted Michael to rest after the long trip and was insisting they stay home. She was even annoyed at his insistence to go out and that she dress-up. After much discussion, she finally agreed, and Michael made fake reservations at a local restaurant.
Geneva has a beautiful pedestrian bridge that crosses the Lake. During the Christmas season it is decorated with lights and ornaments. As they walked across, talking about their life and future, Michael stopped Laura in the middle of the bridge. Laura was in a hurry to get to the restaurant as they were late for their “fake reservation.” Michael turned her around, got on one knee, and poured his heart out, asking her to make him the happiest man. It took Michael an eternity (a few seconds) to get the ring out of his coat pocket and open the box. Laura was in a state of disbelief but after a moment, she gave him an unequivocal Yes!
They were Engaged!
Epilogue
There is a little epilogue to this engagement story. Michael and Laura planned a long engagement...perhaps a little too long. In Oct. 2017 Laura walked into the kitchen with news that would change everything. It was a big and welcomed surprise. Thomas Levente McCoy was born on June 2nd, 2018. Thus the 2018 summer wedding they had planned was pushed back to July 2019. Thomas (Tomi) is an absolute joy and treasure.