It was one of those real life Jim & Pam, Ben & Leslie, Jake & Amy stories. They first met through mutual friends, then spent the next three years as just that—friends. Sure, attraction flared and flickered on both sides, but the timing never seemed quite right. Then one day, Amy’s son Skyler (in his infinite wisdom) piped up with, “Mom, I think it’s time for you to start dating again.” Knowing he was right, she agreed, and she knew exactly who it should be. Not that long after, she casually mentioned to Alex that she had never gone on a proper date before, to which he replied, “I’ll take you to dinner!!” And as anyone can see, they’ve been twitterpated ever since. (As Winnie the Pooh would say: They didn’t even realize they were making memories. They just knew they were having fun)

Under an elaborate ruse, Alex whisked Amy up to Monterey—one of her favorite places in the whole world. (Okay, so it may not have taken that much convincing!) On the start of a perfect day, they cruised down Monterey’s iconic 15 Mile Drive, had lunch on the pier, and explored the town just soaking up the glory of a lovely day. That night, Alex had gotten reservations at a place called Fish Wife, one of their favorite seafood restaurants from a previous trip. (Taking an ocean-loving bride-to-be to a place called Fish Wife... she should have seen it coming!) Shortly after, they took a post-meal stroll down the moonlit beach which led them to a perfect little alcove on the water where they could catch a moment alone. (Alex discovered the spot just for the occasion.) To Amy’s surprise, he got down on one knee, with the ocean dancing behind him, he popped the question. It was beautiful, and intimate, and a perfect end to an evening and start of a whole new chapter.