For the New York Apple Association, love is in the air — or in this case, an apple orchard.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, NYAA is sharing a love story that started when Lindsey Mercurio met Thomas Coene, an apple grower from Ontario, N.Y.
The association learned about the couple’s tale was NYAA staff and videographers were visiting orchards and filming various apple growers. NYAA President and CEO Cynthia Haskins said the organization has produced more than 45 videos and will share them throughout the winter and spring.
“We have been interviewing growers throughout this season, and this winter we’ve been busy in the edit room,” Haskins said. “I must admit, one story stands out as my favorite because it centers around love, and Valentine’s Day is always a special time.”
Coene, who also serves as NYAA vice president, shared that he invited Mercurio for a ride to the apple orchard, a cherished pastime for the couple. Little did Mercurio know that this familiar outing would turn into the moment of a lifetime.
As they stopped by a nearby pond with a panoramic view of the vast acres of apple trees, Coene said he knew it was the perfect place and the perfect moment.
The video captures Mercurio recounting how Coene proposed, surprising her by getting down on one knee to ask for her hand in marriage. Mercurio said he didn’t even get a chance to finish popping the question before she eagerly answered yes.
The association says apple orchards make a romantic and rustic venue. The picturesque farm’s orchards are the perfect backdrop for any engagement, and New York is home to more than 150 apple-picking destinations and over 125 hard cider destinations, with many making space available for events like weddings and gatherings, according to NYAA.
The association says Coene, a fifth-generation farmer with degrees in agriculture business management and sustainable crop production, proudly continues his family’s legacy. The farm, now operated by Coene’s grandfather, father and himself, was honored as a centennial farm in 2020.
“For over 100 years, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to growing the best apples possible,” he said.
The association says it will share Coene and Mercurio’s love story on its social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube during Valentine’s Day.
And to celebrate the holiday, the association encourages retailers to cross-merchandise apples, apple slicers and apple slices with dark chocolate dipping kits.
