We're Getting Married!

We met while studying abroad together in Madrid, Spain our Junior year of college. While we would love to say that's where our relationship started, that didn't come until three years later. Cody moved back to Washington, DC after backpacking across South America. In the meantime Carolyn had become part of his friend group. Shocked to learn that Carolyn was still single when he returned, Cody idiotically took four months to make a move. Five years, seven foster dogs and one multinational backpacking adventure later, we're tying the knot!

While visiting family in Maui, Hawaii over the holidays, Cody surprised Carolyn on Christmas with a gift certificate for a helicopter ride over the Hana rainforest. Little did she know, the helicopter landed in a rainforest clearing with a massive waterfall serving as a backdrop, which is where he planned on popping the question. On the big day, Cody awoke and to his horror the first thing he heard was Carolyn groaning "I can't open my eyes". Sure enough, due to some kind of allergic reaction, her eyes were nearly swollen shut. In a panic, Cody gave Carolyn two Benadryl, which he conveniently forgot is sleep inducing. After an impromptu three hour nap, Carolyn managed to put on her sunglasses and get out of bed to make it to the heliport. Along with a family of four, Cody, Carolyn and the pilot took off on a magical adventure along the north coast of Maui. The helicopter then turned inland and to Carolyn's shock, descended into the rainforest. After landing, the pilot, oblivious to the planned proposal, led a guided tour around the plantation, refusing to stop talking. Just when Cody was about to throw up from the anticipation, he gestured to Carolyn that they should go explore a nondescript clearing "over there". Perplexed, Carolyn followed him to an area along a beautiful stream and Cody proceeded to remember every rom-com he'd ever seen, get down on one knee and babble incoherently. Carolyn finally figured out what was going on and said "Yes!", but to Cody's ear, it sounded a lot more like "DUH!" Overcome with the relief of having finally asked the question, Cody laughed deliriously and celebrated getting the weight off his chest, before they could actually celebrate being engaged. The proposal ended with tears of joy, photos taken by the random mom from the helicopter (who was also crying) and a beautiful bouquet of flowers given to Carolyn by the caretaker of the property.