Three words which only San Diego friends will know: BRIAN. PERKINS. PARTY. The picture was taken an hour after the words, “You have terrible taste in wine” was mockingly spoken to Josh as Aria momentarily walked up to him to ask for some of his wine when she suddenly darted after seeing his “terrible” Oregon wine bottle… The date was 12/12/2015 and they were both attending a Christmas Holiday Onesie themed party. Josh thought little about the comment until Aria came back for some wine; this is when Josh learned about Aria’s gluten intolerance and he was carrying the only drink at the party that she was not allergic too. Josh was unsure if it was the wine or him, but Aria would not leave his side that evening; how many people can say they captured their first kiss of the relationship on camera? The next day they both realized that they shared many mutual friends and they exchanged numbers before departing for the Holidays. Josh was the first to break the silence and quickly made plans to watch his favorite T.V. show with Aria (The Bachelor) when they returned. This picture quickly turned into love at first sight as they moved in together 3 months later, moved to Reno together 6 months later, adopted a dog together 1 year later, bought a house 18 months later, got engaged 2 years later, moved back to San Diego together 30 months later, and started a successful business together 36 months later. Without further ado, they decided to slow down, plan a wedding, and live in the present so that they could share a special day with family and friends who have been cheering and rooting for them all along.
For Josh this was all about flawless execution. Many months went into picking the perfect ring, planning the event, and most importantly making a special day that they could cherish forever. In September, 2017 Josh and Aria had a serious discussion about making plans for their future and saving for either a wedding or a house; they mutually decided on the financially responsible decision, and what they thought would be benefit their long term future the most, and bought a house knowing that they could wait for the right time for a wedding/engagement. This is the relationship that Josh and Aria share; they know how much they love one another and make decisions that will benefit them in the long run. Knowing that they had purchased a house months before the engagement Josh knew he could surprise Aria with an unexpected proposal. They are both loud, they are both proud, and they both love living in the moment; a Mardi Gras proposal was only fitting! Josh disguised the trip with a visit to see one his best friends (Berto) who helped Josh plan the special day. Josh arranged the proposal to be on the JOKER float and joined the Krewe of Freret Mardi Gras crew! Josh had bought special champagne flutes for the special moment and the entire Mardi Gras Crew was in on the surprise! Everything was lining up perfectly until it venomously started to rain moments before the parade! Luckily, during a break in the weather and upon turning down one of the main streets Josh was able to get down on one knee, present Aria many roses and a Diamond ring. In shock and overcome with joy, Aria nearly fell off the two story float as the crowd erupted and the parade cheered them on, but she grabbed her man and give him a romantic kiss in front of all to see. New Orleans and the Mardi Gras parade will forever be a special place and event for these two love birds.