We’re getting married!

Ironically, we met at a place where love means nothing, the tennis courts at Wolcott Park. Our eyes locked at exactly 4:20 PM on that fateful day, unaware that we'd be spending the rest of our lives together from then on. It began as a friendly exchange of groundstrokes across the net on a sunny day that turned into a gamma-radiated Bruce Banner atmosphere. To give a little context, we are a smidge competitive where 2nd place is not an option. After the dust settled following our intense match, we became weary and needed to replenish our energy. We and a few friends ventured to Red Robin where we were able to sit down and have a pleasant conversation, a welcomed change compared to trying to knock each other's heads off. Learning more about each other and realizing the innumerable interests we shared we began seeing each other in a different light. The catalyst that transformed our civility into infatuation was the sharing of sweet potato fries. As a great philosopher once said, "The way to a person's heart is through their stomach." What began as a fierce exchange across the net ended with an enamored exchange of contact information that led to our next unforgettable encounter, hot power yoga. From the outdoor breezy tennis courts to a muggy yoga studio, a new challenge was born between the two of us. Yes, that is correct, we even tried to best each other in yoga. Filled with laughter and surprises we couldn't help but fall more in love with each other. We only focused on one another and enjoyed each passing second together. Our attention was never averted from each other, even with the instructor bellowing, "Chaturanga Dandasana Vinyasa!" as if they were casting an incantation. We were honestly waiting for the instructor to incorporate Expecto Patronum and Wingardium Leviosa but were utterly disappointed. After yoga, we decided to meet the next day in order to continue our battle. To spice things up, we decided to place a wager with the winner deciding on the consequence for 2nd place. The following day was filled with challenges that required the precision of Hawk-Eye, the strength of Hulk, and the worthiness to lift Mjölnir. It was a war that seemed to last an infinity. However, at the snap of a finger, it was the end game. With over 14 million outcomes to choose from, it was finally decided that the consequence for the person who lost was to spend a whole day with the victor. From then on our love blossomed into what it is today and we could not be happier. We will end this passage with a quote from a notable figure in history that sums up the journey we have been through and the love that we want to showcase to the world... "I am Groot".

Prologue: In order to surprise Jenn, I knew that I had to perform an unorthodox proposal. Her attention to fine details and deductive reasoning skills puts even Sherlock Holmes to shame. Being highly logical allows her to look past extraneous detail and perceive clearly that which others overlook. I'm basically trying to outwit Hermione Granger...challenge accepted. Brainstorming: As amazing as it would be to propose at the highest peak of a mountain or on a beach while the sun sets, she would foresee the oncoming proposal from a mile away. Having an affinity to puzzle and strategy games, I was surprised that I was having such a difficult time coming up with an idea that would absolutely shock her. Then it hit me, the answer was right in front of me this whole time. I can incorporate our mutual love for puzzles and strategy to propose...in an escape room! The Ruse: I knew I had to throw Jenn off the scent. Constantly looking at wedding venues, dresse, and themes on Instagram or Pinterest, I knew she was anticipating a proposal very soon. To deceive Jenn, I suggested the idea of going on a romantic rendezvous to New Hampshire where we could rent a cabin and enjoy each other's company in November. Her eyes full of sparkle, cheeks rosy, brimming with excitement, she could not conceal her joy. She truly believed that I would propose in November. Side Mission "Bamboozle Jenn" was a complete success. The Planning: We normally spend a lot of time with each other so it was extremely difficult to put the plan in motion without her being suspicious. I could not have done any of this without the help of Jimmy Guo and Haley Duscha. These two went above and beyond, with Jimmy assisting me every step of the way and Haley being a low-key professional event designer. Haley would often invite Jenn for girl's nights giving me and Jimmy the green light to plan. We fortunately found an escape room with a space large enough to host an afterparty to celebrate the engagement with our friends and family. We finally found an escape room that met all of my conditions, Lara's Labyrinth in Wethersfield, CT. After much deliberation, the Egyptian Tomb was the choice for our escape room. Jimmy upgraded the lighting and we installed cameras to capture different angles. The room was all prepped for the day of the proposal with the final solve activating a pyramid to open up revealing the ring. Jimmy and Haley even decorated the afterparty room after work hours for me, they're the true MVPs. Day of Proposal: Jimmy and I arrived to the escape room hours before our scheduled time for fine-tuning. The ladies arrived at 9:00 PM after getting their nails done. We are greeted by the game master, given a brief description of the room, the doors shut behind the four of us, the timer counts down from 60 min, and so began the last hour of me being just a boyfriend. We breezed through the room to the last chamber. Manipulating Jenn to be in the right place with the last key, it was she that solved the last puzzle to reveal that Marquise ring she has been patiently waiting for. I took off my jacket to reveal my vest and bow tie underneath, got on one knee, and await her reaction. She grabs the ring in a panic thinking it was a prop for the next puzzle. After a few moments, she realized what was going on and said YES to the question I've been dying to ask her. After a warm embrace, I walk her to the afterparty room where our friends and family screamed at the top of their lungs in jubilation. As the night drew to a close, me and Jenn sat in the car with her still processing everything that had happened. "This night was perfect, I just wish my family from the West Coast was here too." I then revealed my hidden laptop to play a video montage of endearing messages from her friends and family out West congratulating us on our engagement (shout out to my amazing cousin Vu for helping me create the video). She broke into more tears of joy. Nailed it.