While working at Kirkland Guitar Center our former boss, current friend, Ty called me over to let me know accessories was getting a new face fresh from Indiana. Jokingly I asked how cute he was and Ty just moaned and walked away. The next day I walk back past the offices on my way to the break room and got pulled in to meet Tyler again with another joke I introduce myself while asking him about his zombie preparedness. The next few months I would invite Tyler to join us for drinks, shows and parties. Every outing I would find myself pulled towards him, we'd be huddled together laughing, joking and talking endlessly. The ease at which we could communicate and laugh was magical. One afternoon before heading out the door Tyler asked me if I wanted to go see GWAR the next day explaining that he really wanted to go and his other friends were busy. Having never seen GWAR, but always wanting to see their show I agreed. I ran back to ask our boss if I could get out of work a little early to go, reluctantly he obliged. The next day we headed out stopping to eat some bbq before heading to the Showbox. Over a pulled pork sandwich I caught myself wondering if this was a date. My heart started skipping beats at the thought, my mind kept denying it saying, "His other friends were busy. Don't read too much into that." The whole drive over he kept saying flirty things though and I was having a harder and harder time denying it to myself. During the show we made our way up in front of the pit he standing guard over me keeping me from getting pulled in. As the crowd pushed and the band played I lost sight of the stage. Tyler lifted me onto his shoulders just so I could see. Getting drenched in the fake blood GWAR was known for I let go of the denial and realized I was on our first date. After that night we couldn't get enough of each others company. If we weren't together we were talking on the phone or texting. In what felt like months, but was only a few weeks we fell in love.

Our engagement story begins with two rings which represent the love and devotion of the original bearers. The rings; a symbol of a love that embraced romance, friendship, comfort and growth, a love that overcame trials of loss and hardships. The love my parents shared was not one to adhere to but an example of what could be if nurtured. In my time with Cecilia we had grown not only together, but had also encouraged individual growth in each other. During my mom’s first visit to Seattle where she was able to witness our life together, I was gifted the rings. At a party where our families were to meet for the first time I decided to take the risk to ask Cecilia to marry me. I had hid my plans from everyone on that perfect day. I wanted a moment that seemed surreal to all who bared witness. It was, however, almost a moment that never happened, a disaster of sorts. My mother was afflicted with a migraine! Of all the times we would have to cancel a party... I couldn't allow this to happen. I had made a choice, I know in my heart is right, and nothing was going stand in my way. Through the magic of Excedrin, hydration, a little rest, and promise of a feast she made a quick recovery. Still with no knowledge of my intended proposal, she was oblivious to the nature of my frustration throughout the day. A cancellation averted, and plans a little off schedule, we had made it to the sunshine breaking through the gloom of the morning grey. I waited in hyperawareness throughout the afternoon for the perfect moment. The whole of the group sitting together, sharing stories, and laughter. With everyone finally together, I moved forward, knelt down on one knee and asked that four word question. "Will you marry me?" The tears, laughter, cheers, and celebration of those we love broke through the initial shock of the moment. The unsuspecting, Cecilia, reacted with a profane question rather than an answer. I, unfazed by her shock, awaited an answer. And so a new story begins...