Although we technically grew up together—riding the same school bus through middle and high school—we somehow never truly met. We ran in different circles, never imagining that our paths would one day cross in the most meaningful way. Years later, during college, we found ourselves surrounded by mutual friends. What began as casual hangouts soon led to something deeper. One night, after an invite for ice-cream, he shared his feelings and his hope for something more between them. At the time, she wasn’t so sure. But love is patient— and over the next six years, a genuine friendship quietly transformed into a lasting love.

He planned a getaway to Los Angeles, under the guise of a simple vacation, but had something far more meaningful in store. Before the trip, he spoke with her father and mother and asked for her hand in marriage, sharing the ring he had chosen. He even arranged for his mother to suggest a nail day—knowing how important it was to her that her nails be done for the big moment. By the time they arrived in LA, the secret started to slip—especially after a second emergency nail stop—but the setting was still a dream. At 71Above, the highest restaurant in LA, with the glittering city skyline below them, he got down on one knee and asked her to spend forever with him.