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September 21, 2019
Aptos, California
#ohappyday

Ariana & Peter

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Trees

Peter

O'Day

and

Ariana

Rice

#ohappyday

September 21, 2019

Aptos, California

How We Met

Best friends make the best match makers

One night Ariana's dear friend and housemate, Lindsy, had her old diving buddy, Peter, over for dinner. When Ariana came home from work later that night she met Peter and hung out for awhile but had no interest in him. According to Peter, this was not his experience as he was immediately taken with her. Over the next year or so, Peter came and hung out a couple more times and they crossed paths again. Ariana was always friendly but never had any interest in him romantically. By the time Peter asked Lindsy if Ariana would be interested in him, Ariana was already dating someone else. Several months and another relational disappointment for Ariana later, Peter asked Lindsy how Ariana was doing (because he is all thoughtful like that) and Lindsy mentioned that Ariana was newly single. Peter, Lindsy and her now husband Jesse went into strategy mode, knowing Ariana would get weird and nervous if she knew they were trying to set her up. With the best poker faces ever, they casually mentioned that their friend, Peter was coming over for dinner and games that Friday night if she wanted to join. Little did Ariana know that this was all a ploy to give Peter and opportunity to spend time and get to know her. Peter continued finding ways to casually spend time with Ariana to get to know her in low pressure situations including going with her to a mental health conference! Eventually Ariana caught on and freaked out but still said yes when he called her to ask her on a date. Ariana kept looking for red flags every time they got together but could find none. Eventually they both felt like they had seen enough goodness in each other to become an official couple. They had a sweet but awkward conversation in the dining area of the Academy of Sciences Museum in San Francisco about Peter calling Ariana his girlfriend in early December.

The Proposal

Peter had told Ariana that he would propose sometime between February and May. He proposed April 28th which really stressed Ariana out! He enlisted the help of friends to confuse Ariana so she would not suspect anything after suspecting every hike and romantic moment for the past 2 months! Peter suggested they have a workday at his property and invite some friends to help. So Ariana, slightly annoyed that she was still not engaged, drove to the property in her work clothes and met Peter who was sharpening his chainsaws as if they were really going to work. Then he took her to the beautiful outlook, pretending to point out trees they should clear. The conversation then shifted and Peter said, "I am very excited to build a home here with you someday. Are you excited for that?" Ariana replied, "Yes of course." With that Peter reached into his pocket, got on one knee and said, "So I can think of no better place to ask you to be my wife." Except Ariana did not hear this because she immediately started crying as soon as she figured out what was happening. Peter kneeled there patiently as Ariana tried to collect herself and form words. Finally she was able to say "Yes of course!" Peter had planned for some of their closest friends to all show up at the property and celebrate with them. It was perfect and beautiful and took place where hopefully Peter and Ariana will have their home and build their family one day.

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