On the evening of the 1999 Beaux Arts Ball, Erin and Kevin independently purchased tickets and met up with their friend, Audrey. Upon arriving and realizing how packed the event was, they found themselves separated from Audrey, and what started as a simple outing turned into an unforgettable evening for just the two of them. Conversations flowed easily between the two as they discussed party-goers dressed in eccentric costumes like a co-worker completely painted in green from head to toe or masked peers becoming unidentifiable. Kevin remembers the nightly warmly, “We'd see some people passing, but were focused on each other at that point.” As the night ended, their connection was undeniable.

The following week, Erin emailed Kevin, suggesting they meet to look at the photos she had taken from the event and had developed. (In 1999, very little was digital and point and shoot cameras with film were still being used!) Kevin greeted her with flowers, and what was supposed to be a quick lunch turned into a two-hour conversation. Kevin laughs about it now, recalling how his coworkers teased him for being gone so long that day. “And we’ve been talking every day since,” Erin says, reflecting on those early dates.

Four years later, on the night of the 2004 Beaux Arts Ball, Kevin proposed to Erin. In front of a few thousand people, a few very persistent friends got on stage and congratulated the couple while the DJ threw a spotlight on Erin and Kevin in the crowd.

For Kevin and Erin, the Beaux Arts Ball holds a special place in their hearts and they attended every year through 2004. They remember the costumes, the excitement of the unfinished spaces causing dusty shoes on the way home, and the energy in the room. One of their fondest memories was seeing the costumes and how people “interpret things in so many different ways…that's half the magic in it,” Erin says. They’ve built countless memories from those nights. When the event stopped, they tried going to other similar events, but none had the same feel. They’re both looking forward to the return of the Beaux Arts Ball as Kevin mentions, “It's bringing back memories that we love and cherish. The nostalgia aspect of it is incredible. I hope it continues from year to year because that was something that we really looked forward to”.

The Monaghans celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this September and still live in Philadelphia. As they look forward to this year’s Ball, they’re excited to revisit the event that first brought them together.