Yoh, we're really doing this!

On a Friday evening in early April 2018, I decided to go for the usual end-of-week beer with friends at our local Peddlars. How was I supposed to know that this would be the night I would fall in love? Angie (God bless her), a friend of mine who works at GetSmarter had convinced her colleague Gabriela, a newly arrived American, to join for a night out in the 'burbs with her friends. I first laid eyes on her when they walked into the back patio of the restaurant. I was introduced and then they proceeded to sit at another table far from us (who can blame them). As the night went on and Peddlars was closing, the group decided to head down to the only place that stays open till the early hours, a well established and beloved institution, Pirates Bar. Sitting at the bar with the music blasting caused us to have to lean in to be able to hear each other. That’s when I turned on the charm and we hit it off! Gentleman that I am, I asked her if I could kiss her, and then I got her number. I think she regretted that, as I pestered her everyday with texts like “How was your day?” and "What music do you like" until I got the nerve to ask her out for a hike with my wingman of a dog, Brandy. Needless to say, she fell for my dog, and I think also me because here we are over a year later getting married!

Making rich and elaborate meals together is a treasured part of our relationship. There are few things I enjoy more than pouring a glass of wine and diving into a multi-layered dinner prep with Kyle. It offers a special space where the two of us can creatively connect and be present with each other. At the end of an especially challenging week for me, Kyle promised to make us a Friday evening meal with all of my favorite foods (helloooo malva pudding). Half-way through cooking, Kyle paused and sat down next to me. He seemed deep in thought about something, and thinking he was just taking a (well-deserved) break, I let him be... until I noticed a ring-sized box in his pocket! After waiting what felt like an eternity for him to say something, I gulped and asked "hey, uhm, what is that in your pocket?" Almost like he was coming out of a trance, Kyle looked up at me, and then to his pocket, wide-eyed and mouth open. I laughed, not sure how much I may have just ruined the moment. He laughed with me, then said "well Gaby, I was gonna surprise you just before we sat down for our meal but now you've blown it." Then he dropped to one knee and asked me if I wanted to spend our lives together. So, was it the perfect proposal? No. But it was perfect for us. Kyle, I love you and I cannot wait to make more beautiful, rich, and imperfect memories with you for the rest of our lifetime.