We met on the dating app, Hinge. Both looking for a meaningful connection, we talked for months before meeting in person for our first date. We met in Dublin for dinner, Anthony traveling from Martinez and Taylor from Stockton. We were each other's first date on the app and from that moment, it was evident something remarkable was unfolding. We spent hours talking and laughing, genuinely getting to know one another. Our weekends were consistently spent together, shuttling back and forth to be with one another. Who knew a simple swipe would lead to our engagement.
Taylor: Have you ever heard the saying, "When you know, you know"? Well, it was our third date, and a weekend in the city solidified that. As he stood with the SF skyline twinkling behind him, a surge of overwhelming emotion took over. In that moment, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with the most remarkable person I had ever met. Anthony: In the quiet sanctuary of The Refuge in Carmel, where we found ourselves swaying gently in a hammock, in our own little world, time seemed to pause. As I gazed into your eyes and saw your radiant smile, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me. In that simple yet profound moment, I knew with absolute certainty that you were the one I wanted to spend my life with, the one I would love with all my heart.
During a family vacation to the Dominican Republic, as the week neared its end, Taylor began to wonder if a proposal was in the cards. On a boating excursion day with both families, Anthony was disappointed to see the boat was not what he had expected, so he changed his proposal plan. However, the boat's photographer playfully asked, "So who's getting engaged today?" Taylor, pretending not to hear, was whisked away by Anthony, and she knew today was the day. The resort was notified to put a pause on the romantic decor in Taylor and Anthony's room. Upon returning from the boating adventure, their room was decorated as if a proposal had just taken place. Anthony made a quirky comment and Taylor stood in the hallway as he hastily cleaned up the room. Our families suggested beach sunset photos. As we were dressed up and walking to the beach, both of us felt a mixture of excitement, nervousness and anticipation. Anthony took Taylor's hand and Taylor began to giggle before bursting into tears. Anthony got down on one knee and Taylor blacked out, only recalling Anthony saying, "Taylor, I love you and I want to grow old with you." Despite not going as planned, the proposal couldn't have been more perfect.