If you had told us—a young couple in college, both at very different places in life—that we were a swipe away from our forever, what do you think we would have said? I don't know if we wouls have believed you! Especially since we only met once before going into lockdown, communicating for a year through just Snapchat, FaceTimes, and texts. But throw in humor (me), adventure (us), and beauty, grace, and kindness (all her) - then I think 10/10 it was inevitable! Stay with me - you'll see how fate, God, and winks from the universe would bring us together. A year passed, the lockdown lifted, and Cami finally returned to Bellingham to go back to school in person. With no time to waste, I set up our first real date. We played soccer, grabbed smoothies, and I mayyyy have saved her life while we watched the most beautiful sunset on Chuckanut Drive. Because she's a smart college girl and knows how to be safe, Cami didn't let me pick her up and opted to meet me at the soccer field instead, but she would let me take her home (because, well, I'm a stud and a sweetheart!). It was then that we discovered, we only lived one block away from eachother! A happy accident that led to many movie nights, strolls through the neighborhood, and little suprise visits between classes. A few months later on Christmas Eve, I was invited to meet her beautiful family and see her magical place I'd heard so much about. Even though we hadn't made things official yet, I asked that night with a necklace and an open-ended question (I’m a gentleman, we don’t put pressure on women!): "I don’t expect an immediate answer, but when you’re ready to make things official, put on the necklace and I’ll know.” She didn't put it on for two more weeks. (Don’t worry, I had a plan all along, but you’ve got to wait for the rest of the story!)Fast forward four years! We made it through Bellingham and now both live in Everett. We decided to take a big trip before moving in together: we went to Spain, where we took a tango class, a cooking class, and I rowed her around in a boat (yes! I rowed the whole time, GENTLEMEN). We saw the amazing work of Gaudi and so much more. The day we got back from that trip was move-in day—we finally had our place! If you made it this far, you remember I said you had to wait? Well, let’s jump from May to December 2024 (you already know!💍😤😘). We decided our stocking theme would be an ornament, a treat, and an accessory. I got to work: talking to her family, checking her Pinterest, and going to a jeweler to custom-make the perfect ring. I knew I needed to rewrite the narrative for Christmas Eve and finally get the "yes!" I had a plan from start to finish: my best friends set up a gazebo over a park bench and hid in a secret car to take photos and video, and both our families were in on it. The moment was now. She finally unpacked her stocking: first the treat, a mini champagne bottle, then the ornament, a ring pop (an inside joke), and finally, the accessory... her ring. With a sign in the box made by an artist that read: “Will You Marry Me?” As she opened it, I spun to a knee and watched her break into tears. She stood there in complete awe and said YES! This brings us to now, getting ready for our wedding and celebrating with all of the amazing people who have been a part of our story. We thank you for your support, wisdom, guidance, and love. You all have a special place in our hearts, and we look forward to continuing to write our journey with you. We love you all! Sincerely, Cami and Jose