Let's celebrate!

Our story started in Beijing, China, summer of 2011. Mason just finished his sophomore year at George Washington University and Elaine completed her freshman year at Northeastern University. They both were studying abroad at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) and met through some classmates. Being young and fearless, they went partying and dancing that night and quickly connected. To say the least, they spent the rest of their China trip together, climbing the great wall, eating fried scorpions, going on late night walks, and partying on an old aircraft carrier. Mason even surprised Elaine with multiple sponge cakes. At the end of the trip, it was a bit unknown how they would continue their story back in the U.S.. As they started their next year in college, in their respective cities, they still texted everyday and Elaine even went to Mason’s oldest brother’s wedding! But being so young, they decided to pursue separate paths….or so they thought. Although apart, life still brought them together in many random ways (destiny!). For instance, while Mason was visiting from DC one weekend, they crossed paths at a Celtics game and were even sitting in the same section! Slowly as the years passed, they started talking again. In winter of 2014, Mason bravely asked Elaine to dinner and drinks. After eating ramen & grabbing bubble tea, they decided to go to King’s bowling alley. There, he confessed his long-lasting love to her and asked to simply “take her out on a date” (in reality, the whole night was a date). Elaine was hesitant but said yes. They did paint nite and went to the aquarium and both knew the spark and love never went away. Elaine refused to start a distant relationship and requested Mason to move back to Boston (which he planned to do anyways), before officially becoming “girlfriend & boyfriend”. And on April 16, 2015, Mason officially asked Elaine out and the rest is history. -According to Elaine’s memory

They arrived in Bermuda on Valentines Day, February 14th. Before heading to a romantic dinner, Mason explained that the hotel was hosting a special sunset event on the beach and that they should stop by. Little did Elaine know, there was no event and a photographer was actually waiting to capture what would hopefully be a night they’d never forget. However, minutes before leaving, the hotel phone rang, it was the photographer. Thank God Mason answered. She had just checked weather and sadly explained that a rain shower suddenly turned toward the island and would last for the next 2 hours. They would have to postpone for 2 days! Masking his inner turmoil, Mason utilized his 4th grade acting skills and answered in generic responses so that Elaine would not catch on. Unsurprising to those that know Elaine, she was unaware that the phone even rang and blindly accepted Mason’s excuse. Fast forward two days. As they were getting ready, Mason again, conjured up a story to convince Elaine that they need to dress up for this sunrise event so they can take nice pictures. Elaine, again, reluctantly agreed to put on a dress at most. Mason, not wanting to giveaway the surprise but knowing that she’d would want to do her makeup if she knew the occasion, awkwardly suggested “Do you think you should at least do your eyes?”. BAD IDEA. Elaine responded with some 4 letter words. Finally, they made it to the beach. Stepping down on to the white sand, Mason brought them to the spot he had prearranged with the photographer and gave her the signal. Suddenly Mason dove into a speech he had prepared for months. Unsure of why he decided now was a great time to confess his love, Elaine was stunned when he dropped to one knee and proposed. Tears, laughter, and coughs mixed together as she finally said yes, and Mason’s mission was complete. -According to Mason’s memory