Katonah Merchants Tell Tales of Love

History and literature offer endless examples of love stories—from the tragic tales of Antony and Cleopatra and Romeo and Juliet—to restrained affections between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy to the devotion shown by Queen Victoria, who mourned her husband Prince Albert's death for 40 years.

Whether a tear-jerker or a warm-and-fuzzy, romantic love or love between a parent and child, there's something about a good love story that brings out the romantic in all of us.

We found a few examples of great love stories right here in Katonah. Enjoy them and share your own in the comments.

Mindy Yanish tells the story of a married couple who had their first date in her store, , a jewelry, glassware and contemporary crafts store in Katonah.

"After I got to know them, I found out they met online," recalled Yanish, proprietor for 23 years. "But when I first saw them, I was just an observer."

The couple had several exchanges online and via telephone before deciding to meet in person, she said. He chose the shop as their first meeting place because he loved its combination of art and gifts, and it was close to the train that she would step off of to meet him for the first time.

"It was a memorable first meeting," said Yanish. "They started off shyly but talked about art and other things they had in common. Two months later they came in to buy their wedding bands from me." The couple chose simple silver bands with a bit of swirl reminiscent of Van Gogh's "Starry Night," which combined their love of art and locally made products. 

Yanish is keeping private the identity of the couple whom she says met in her shop, but she says they still live locally and continue to shop in her store.

Casey Carter said he's seen his share of happy moments in the in Katonah, where he's spent the last five and a half years of a 12-year jewelry retail career.

Carter, a native of Bedford and graduate, said he's seen romance of all ages and types evident in trips to the jewelry store—older couples, second marriages, young lovers, gay couples.

He remembered one man who made three trips to the shop to look at wedding rings.

"First, he brought his girlfriend, and they looked at them together," said Cartner. "The second time he came back to buy the ring and the third time he brought his girlfriend back to make sure she liked what they had picked out—and then he just dropped to one knee and said 'why wait to give it to you, I love you so much,' and we all applauded. It was a special moment in the store."

Carter also recalled a mother and her daughter coming in to shop for wedding day jewelry.

"After she tried on this really spectacular necklace and earrings, the daughter said it was too much for her mom to buy, but the mother insisted. A year later, the mother came in to get the matching bracelet when her daughter became pregnant. It continued the circle of love in that family," Carter said, noting that a small-town jeweler naturally provided a backdrop for purchases marking momentous occasions—like engagement rings, wedding bands and first ear-piercings.

Though Patch's search for Valentine's wedding ceremonies didn't turn one up, we did hear about a church service taking place in honor of the holiday.

On Feb. 19, plans to offer yet another way to express Valentine's love: Through music, poetry, prayer and colorful clothes, this "Valentine's Day, Part II" church service is also this year's annual "Mardi Gras" Sunday service.

Taking place the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, the service is a chance to have some fun before the serious period of Lent begins.  The focus will be on love songs and the love-themed poetry of Rumi and others—a way to send a "Valentine to God," said Rev. Rachel Thompson.

What's your love story? Share your proposal story, a family love story or Bedford-themed tale of love in the comments.