Couples find Aliante `engaging'

Love is in the air at Aliante, where at least three couples recently became engaged to be married. One proposal took place in the master-planned community's 20-acre park, while another occurred in a model home. Another twosome, who plan a May wedding, became acquainted as neighbors.

To honor the couples, Aliante's developer, North Valley Enterprises, presented each with Valentine's Day gifts that included Sunday brunch for two at the Aliante Golf Club, a bouquet of roses and a decorative crystal.

Mark Naguiat offered an engagement ring to Youri Khamsengmanivong at Nature Discovery Park.

"Once we discovered Aliante, we knew it was the place for us," Naguiat said. "And since the park was one of our favorite spots in Aliante, I thought it would be the perfect place to propose to Youri.

"We're excited about starting our life together and raising a future family here. (The park) will be a source of fun for our family, and it will always have special sentimental value for Youri and I."

The couple will soon move into their new home at KB Home's San Destin Palazzo neighborhood.

Already settled in at San Destin Palazzo are Jerry Freter and Michelle McCormick, who got engaged in the Lombardo model.

"We had toured quite a few model homes, but once we walked through the Lombardo plan, we both knew immediately that our search was over," Freter said. "We were both thrilled to find such a wonderful home and community."

McCormick agreed.

"Aliante is perfect for a family like ours," she said. "The Nature Discovery Park, the walking trails and all of the other amenities make this a great place to live and raise a family. As we watch the way this community is developing, we become even more excited about our decision to buy a home here."

Sun City Aliante residents Keith Gitzlaff and Sandi West lived two doors apart, when a few casual conversations led to their first date.

Gitzlaff, a sales agent for the age-qualified neighborhood, had briefly met West when she purchased her home, although he was not her sales agent.

"I asked her to accompany me to a company function and we just had a great time," Gitzlaff said. "That led to more dates and soon after, we fell in love."

The couple will continue to live in Aliante after their marriage this spring, according to West.

"Since moving here, I have found that this is a community where you can enjoy an active social life with people who have the vitality to really enjoy life," she said. "Keith and I look forward to enjoying our home and this wonderful lifestyle for many, many years to come."

Builders in Aliante's primary village are D.R. Horton, KB Home, Pardee Homes and Pulte Homes. Del Webb is building Sun City Aliante. Home are priced from the $150,000s to the low $400,000s.

Nearly one-fourth of the community's 1,905 acres is designated for recreational and public purposes, including a golf course, parks, trails, schools, a fire station and an arroyo.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 to the Interstate 215 east exit. Proceed to the Aliante Parkway exit then go south. The sales center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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