It's happening!

Carmen's perspective: We met in the first semester at Vassar College. We found solace in each other's presence since we were both in long-distance relationships with our high school sweethearts. We could be together without any pretenses. Carefree and eager for friendship, Jack and I became easy friends (looking back, perhaps too easy). There was always a magnetism between us in which we'd find each other at the party or in the Deece (the dining hall), chatting endlessly and sharing our days. During Junior year, we both went abroad; I went away in the fall and Jack was gone in the spring. It'd been a year since we had seen each other, and when we were reunited, we both, coincidentally, happen to be single at the same time. Pretty much within 24 hours of being around each other, Jack professed his love in a monologue after many beers, and I agreed that we were great together. From that moment of Jack's bravery, we went from casual friends with a magnetic connection to a dynamic couple who laugh a lot.

Jack planned this elaborate scheme with his childhood friend, Olivia! So he'll tell the story: Making the most of the 2-week residency vacation Carmen received, I hatched a plan with my best friend Olivia to propose the day before our trip. I booked a one-night stay at the Rockaway Hotel + Spa and the we set off for what I told Carmen was a "staycation before the vacation." Little did Carmen know, I had planned every detail of the night. First, it was relaxing by the pool and in the sauna before dinner (this gave Olivia ample time to set up the scene and prepare for the moment). But before dinner (for which I was overdress and told Carm she should do the same) I mentioned that the sun was setting soon, so we should take a quick walk on the beach. We walked along the beach and "stumbled" across a picnic blanket covered in rose petals and flowers, with a bottle of champagne set up. Carmen initially thought we were taking someone else's spot, and even as I told her it was for us, she thought the hotel had set it up. Even as I got on one knee in front of her, she asked if she should also kneel. I told her she should probably stay standing. Then instead of responding to my proposal, she proceed to dap me up with an excited handshake. Finally I confirmed that she indeed wanted to marry me, and within moments there was a personal photographer (Olivia) inches away from us snapping pictures and celebrating. We then traveled to New Mexico to celebrate with her family, then to Mexico where we celebrated with my family!