We met for our blind date unsure of what to expect, but from the moment we met, it felt effortless. The usual first-date awkwardness was absent, and even in the busy crowd at the fraternity event, we felt like we were in our own world. We talked for hours, laughing about everything from movies to our future dreams. As the night was ending, we dreaded saying goodbye, knowing something special had just begun.

We quickly fell in love that Fall. Our lives became intertwined, we began meeting each other’s families and continued enjoying each other’s company through our junior and senior years at LMU. As graduation quickly approached, neither of us knew what was in store for our futures, but we knew it definitely involved each other. After graduating in 2019 and doing long distance for a little over a year, Kaitlin moved to Sacramento. It was exciting to be together again and in a new city. As life unfolded around us, our love grew and the fondness we had for one another deepened.

After months of anxious planning, Jacob pulled off the perfect evening. He kept the ring hidden for weeks, worried Kaitlin might find it. We had dinner overlooking the ocean in Laguna Beach, where her sister and cousin were setting up a romantic gazebo. Afterward, as we approached it, Kaitlin said, “Oh my gosh! Someone’s getting engaged!” not realizing it was her. Our closest family and friends were there to celebrate afterward, making it a night we’ll always cherish.