We designed the ring together, so she knew a proposal was coming. What she did not know was when or where. I told her I would give her a rough date range so she could feel ready, nails done, hair done, outfit ready. I even joked that every time she left the house, she should assume today might be the day. The months passed while we were apart. She was in San Francisco, and I was traveling between family and work. Quietly, I planned to propose in Washington at Lake Crescent, a place she would be visiting with her family after Christmas. When late December arrived, I worried she might expect it. I gently told her it might need to happen later, maybe even in March. I was careful with my words. I wanted the moment to be honest and still a surprise. On January 1st, I flew to Washington. Early the next morning, I drove to Lake Crescent to find the perfect spot. The lodge was closed for the season, peaceful and empty, with fog resting on the trees. A dock with strung lights over the water felt like the perfect place. I set up the camera, laid out flowers and petals, and waited. Her family brought her to the lake, with a little help from her brother to slow things down. When she arrived and saw me, she was completely shocked. We walked out onto the dock together. I told her how deeply I loved her and how honored I felt to begin loving her the way her Heavenly Father has loved her. I was so nervous that I asked her to marry me before I even knelt on one knee. But even in the nerves and shakiness, I was completely sure. The rain that was forecasted never came. The fog resting on the trees, the serene lake, and the quiet made it perfect. And of course, she said yes.

I knew a proposal was coming someday. We had designed the ring together, but when Nathan told me the proposal would be delayed and might not happen for a while, I remember feeling genuinely disappointed. Still, I held onto a small hope since we would be in Washington at the same time at the start of January. On January 2nd, the day before we were supposed to leave, I checked Nathan’s location all morning. Nothing. He appeared to still be at his apartment, and I was convinced he was not anywhere near us. My mom told everyone she had planned a photo shoot at a nearby lake. I was a little suspicious, since she never plans things like that, but checking Nathan’s location reassured me that nothing was happening. On the drive, my little brother suddenly asked to stop for a bathroom break and even pretended to pee on the side of the road. It was so out of character of him and so funny, I even took a picture. After that, we continued on toward the lake. When we arrived, we parked and walked toward Lake Crescent Lodge. That’s when I saw the dock. And then I saw Nathan. I was completely shocked. He led me out onto the dock overlooking the lake. It was quiet, foggy, and beautiful. He spoke about love, faith, and choosing each other for life. When he asked me to marry him, I could tell he was nervous, and I had to remind him to get down on one knee. It was peaceful, surprising, and perfect. And of course, I said yes.