We had “family pictures” scheduled while we were at the beach with my family. It was around 7pm and the photographer took us to a secluded beach area and began photographing us in pairs (my parents, my brother, and his girlfriend were all present for these family photos). Before I knew it, it was Aaron and I’s turn to pose together and all of a sudden my mom yelled,“There’s a giant sea turtle!!” as she pointed behind me at the ocean (if you know me, you know I have a big love for turtles). Of course, I turned around to try to spot it, as the sun shined in my eyes, and after a few seconds, I heard Aaron say, “Kelsey, turn around”, but I told him to wait because I really wanted to see this turtle (LOL). Then I heard “Kels I have a question”. To be honest, that’s the last thing I remember clearly because after that, it’s all a blur. I just remember SOBBING and hugging Aaron. The funny part is that she really wasn’t kidding about there being a huge sea turtle, but it turned out to be the perfect distraction!

Six months ago I asked for Kelsey’s dad’s blessing, 3 months ago I purchased the ring, and from the blessing to the proposal I managed to successfully keep it a secret. Fast forward to the beach trip, where I proposed, many people asked me how I was feeling. My answer was the same every single time: excited, terrified, and ready to give her the ring. On the night of the proposal, Kelsey’s family had scheduled professional family pictures. At the end of the session, the photographer wanted to take a few of Kels and I, and with a little help from her parents, her brother, and his girlfriend, I knew the perfect time had come. As soon as I made that decision, Mrs. Jenny saw a massive sea turtle poke it’s head out of the water, yelled for us to look at it, and Kels immediately turned around. I then pulled out the ring and asked her to turn around (3 times before she actually did because she was still looking for the sea turtle), and when she did, I said a few words, dropped down on one knee, and asked her to marry me. As soon as I asked her she started weeping and about 30 seconds later, she said yes! Now, getting to marry my best friend is official- I can’t wait for the big day.