#WaltersAtTheAltar

12/31/23 ~ A memorable date. It all started on December 31st, 2023, after a crazy holiday adventure that took us from California to Missouri and even through Vegas. We were back in Cayucos, my favorite spot, with our dogs Bentley and Boone in tow. Dustin was acting weirdly anxious about timing, which was so unlike him—he's usually the guy who believes in arriving fashionably late to everything. After a day spent visiting family and a sunset ice cream treat (which I had to sneak despite Dustin's insistence we skip it), we found ourselves on the pier. Dustin kept trying to get sentimental about our year together, but I kept interrupting him because I desperately needed to use the restroom. I had mentioned the days date was kind of cool being 123123, 12-31-23. He stated that is very memorable, which was a word not typically used in his vocabulary, I was now thinking what is up with him today. Finally, as we settled on a bench overlooking the lit-up coastline, Dustin took a deep breath and started his speech again. I couldn't help but tease him about repeating himself, not realizing what was coming next. He got down on one knee, and I burst out laughing, thinking he was joking again. But then he pulled out a ring, and suddenly it all made sense. Amidst my laughter and tears, Dustin managed to surprise me in the best possible way. Despite my interruptions and his nerves, he chose the perfect moment at my favorite place to ask me to spend forever with him. So here we are, planning our future with endless love and gratitude for that hilarious, heartwarming evening in Cayucos—a memory we'll cherish forever. With love and laughter, Ivy & Dustin