If you really know me, you know I ADORE my birthday. It was 6am and I was in Aspen. I zipped out of bed 100% ready to tackle the day. I knew we were off to see the stunning colors of Maroon Bells. Peter had mentioned that he wanted to start taking more pictures with me, so I thought “It’s your birthday. Look decent and maybe you’ll get a new profile picture.” Peter had this story that while he wanted to propose to me, the ring was being created and therefore wouldn’t be ready until October. Peter is convincing, WHAT CAN I SAY. Our plan was to drive into Maroon Bells. About halfway into the park, a ranger told us parking is full. Since Peter seemed upset, I assured him that we can still see Maroon Bells. We just have to park and take the bus. Being flexible is more of my forte. Once we got to the bus line, we needed tickets for ourselves and friends. Peter went inside the station, while Tori and I looked for the bathroom. As we were finishing up, a girl yelled THE BUS IS LEAVING. We sprinted and got on that bus. While on the bus, I thought "What a special day in Aspen". After 15 minutes, we got off and walked towards the scenic area. It was the most surreal feeling walking around this place, painted with every color imaginable. I immediately had Tori stop so we could take a picture in front of Maroon Bells. At this point, I was still clueless to the proposal. After my pics with Tori, Peter asked if he could take a picture with me. After a friend took one picture of us, I could feel Peter’s hand shaking. I looked up to see tears welled up in his eyes, and at the exact moment, I blacked out. Thank GOD our friends filmed the moment, because Lord knows I was a complete blubbering mess when I realized what he was about to do. I heard the words “marry me?” and I think I made out a “YES” in between my sobs. Then I spent the rest of the day in absolute bliss of this stunning place, the most thoughtful man I’ve ever met, and the love of family and friends.

We woke up around 6 am – honestly, I hadn’t slept much because, as unbelievable as it sounds, I was legitimately nervous. I probably checked at least 3 or 4 times if the ring was still exactly where I had put it. We had breakfast burritos and loaded up to head over to Maroon Bells. It’s about a 20-minute drive and we wanted to make sure to beat traffic. So far, pretty much according to plan. We get through Aspen and onto Maroon Creek Rd, leading up to the park. If we got there before 7 AM we’d’ve been fine to drive right up to the base parking lot. However, it seems like camping overnight became more popular and that lot was already full. This is about when the panic starts to set in. Nonetheless, there is bus service to the park and seeing as that was our only way up, we had to take it. We packed up food and drink, got some tickets (another ordeal) and finally got on the bus around 7:15 AM. Sitting next to Laura, I’ve been told, I was white-knuckling like someone had threatened my life. Laura, I didn’t think, had really noticed anything, because of course I thought I looked totally fine. She chalked it up to the plan not going smoothly, which is normal for me. Finally, we arrive at the trailhead, get off the bus and make our way to the lake. Given that bus service was the only option, I tried to get our group to stay behind one of the waves of people, hoping to get some space alone. We found that space on a small bridge that was on the trail leading up to the lake. After a very tense picture, I finally turned to Laura to attempt to say something romantic. Right as I turned, I could tell that she was starting to piece it together. I maintain that she was still decently surprised when I asked her to marry me – for 2 months, I had kept up the story that the timeline was October. Secretly, it was – this trip was planned just as a birthday celebration. About 2 weeks after planning it that I realized I should just ask – at her favorite place, on her favorite day.

The ring is a 6.5mm blue sapphire center gem surrounded by 52 diamonds, significant of 52 months of dating at the time of engagement. Peter and Laura actually picked out the ring together, but then Peter went back (the next day!) to buy it from Fifth Avenue Designs, in Cherry Creek. The blue sapphire, in lieu of a main diamond, was chosen because it’s Laura’s birthstone and favorite color! In an engagement ring, a sapphire means faithfulness and sincerity, It’s also very common in Italian culture to propose with colored gems. Peter and Laura got engaged on September 23rd, 2017, Laura’s birthday, at Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado.