We had our first date in Zilker Park in Austin. The natural beauty of springtime in Austin served as the perfect backdrop for what was planned as a "hike" in the park. Adam (perhaps overly embracing the "come as you are" spirit of Austin) arrived in gym shorts and a printed t-shirt. Thankfully for all involved, Aaron was able to look past Adam's fashion faux pas and that hike turned into a lovely picnic atop the rocks at the center of the park. Aaron provided the refreshments, including delicious cheese from his recent visit to Seattle. With the date nearing its close, Adam had one more trick up his sleeve. In an effort to prolong a special afternoon, he suggested a visit to the nearby Starbucks to continue chatting. To sweeten the deal, he also offered up a coupon, thus demonstrating both his romantic and frugal sides at once! As we said our goodbyes that day, we both knew we would see each other again. Luckily, the next time we did it was to meet for lunch on a workday, so Adam arrived with a much improved wardrobe. Although he's not sure what compelled him to do so, Adam snapped a photo of the park that day, forever enshrining what would come to be a very special moment in both of our lives. The photo now sits framed in our home and we added it to the website below!

For Aaron, the idea of a proposal was planted the winter of 2020. That Christmas, he talked with his parents about how he envisioned Adam in his life, long term. The joy and warmth that come with a new year helped this idea withstand the cold of winter and sprout into something more. Aaron knew that he wanted something thoughtful, bright, and unique that represented the special relationship that he has with Adam. He created a secret Pinterest where he could look up ring styles and share them with friends and close family. Aaron found some that had potential but weren’t quite right. Some were unique metals; others had wood. After looking for months, Aaron concluded that in order to find something that could truly represent their one-of-a-kind relationship, he needed to find a place that could make a one-of-a-kind ring. As fortune would have it, Aaron happened upon a local jeweler on his way to Costco. In all the Costco dates he and Adam had gone on, they had never noticed the jeweler. Like the room of requirement, it appeared when Aaron needed it. With some sketches in hand, Aaron nervously shuffled into the shop. He sheepishly asked the jeweler what the process was to get an engagement ring. The jeweler responded gruffly that all he needed was the idea and a deposit. Excitement welling up inside, Aaron became more confident and asked to see the jeweler’s work. After seeing some dull pieces, a certain style caught Aaron’s eye – mokume-gane. Mokume-gane is a Japanese metalworking procedure which produces a mixed-metal laminate with distinctive layered patterns. Mokume-gane translates closely to "wood grain metal" and describes the way the metal takes on the appearance of natural wood grain. These particular rings mirrored the beauty of Galadriel’s ring of power. After pondering and talking with close confidants, Aaron’s initial idea blossomed into a reality. The chosen ring had rose gold and silver layered on each other to produce a delicate wood-grain band. Three small jewels – an emerald, a ruby, and an aquamarine – were inlayed into the band. Emerald is Aaron’s birthstone. Ruby is Adam’s birthstone. And aquamarine is often associated with serenity, tranquility, and universal harmony. In its essence, it's connected to life in all its vitality and hope. Serendipitously, Aaron didn’t realize this at first, it is March’s birthstone, which happens to be the month that Adam and Aaron met. The symbolism of wood, which comes from a tree, being etched into metals that withstand the test of time, was not lost on Aaron as he and Adam start on a journey to grow a family tree of their own, which will, hopefully, also withstand the test of time.

As the jeweler was hard at work creating a Kahlo, Aaron set out on a plan. A passionate plan to prepare a picturesque proposal for his Persian prince. He knew he wanted something super spectacularly special. Some might describe Aaron as extra, but what's wrong for wanting something well-remembered, wonderful, and wooing, to mark this memorable moment? Aaron had wild ideas to propose at Austin City Limits, a beloved music festival of Adam and Aaron's. He pictured the proposal upon a stage. He communicated with Miley, Trixie, and staff! But in typical Adam fashion, Adam happened upon the princely plan. At sixes and sevens, Aaron was back to square one so he scrambled for something to salvage the screw-up. Without any ideas coming to mind, the jeweler called and said it was time. With no ideas in hand, but bags in the other, Aaron with Adam went on an adventure. This time it was a future family fiesta! Along came Adam's mom, dad, brother, and Regan. On the second night when Adam was out, Aaron quietly knocked on the room next door and meekly said he had something to say. Butterflies in stomach, Aaron mumbled that he wanted to ask for Adam's hand in marriage. But first he wanted permission from the people Adam prided so much. Giddily, Sal, said of course and then here came the waterworks. Carla gave Aaron a big hug and said yes, yes! and was overjoyed to be a part of the request. Sal also commented that if it happened in Cabo that would be great, but regardless approved and made it blessed. Aaron hadn't thought of the idea of proposing in Mexico. But what a thought, he could make it werk! He set off in action and put in the work. They all already had a sunset tour planned at the end of the week, which seemed liked the perfect backdrop for the big question. Aaron let all others involved aware of the plan. He even coordinated with the DJ to play a special certain song. The day of the boat trip, Adam was once again callously casual. Aaron gently suggested that he wore something less casual. Adam obliged and put on a polo. And off to the tour they left! With the ring in his backpack, Aaron started to freak! He nervously nomadized the nautical float. If the previous nerves were butterflies at most, these were Mothra the monster queen utmost. He spoke with the DJ not once, not twice, but maybe five times to make sure he had the correct song and timing just right. With the world-famous arches of Cabo in the horizon and lover's beach in sight, Aaron gave the signal and set things in motion. With the sun setting and Golden Hour lightly playing, Aaron dropped down on one knee. Adam clueing into what was happening, his smile reassured Aaron's raging nerves. Aaron said those four words - "Will you Marry Me?" Unwaivering, Adam said, of course, yes! On cloud nine beyond the setting sun, Aaron shakily tried to put the ring on the wrong hand. Adam gently helped him put it on the ring finger. The two embraced in a warm hug and yasss, they were engayged. As Adam approved of Aaron's proposal, the next adventure for A&A awaited!