Even when you know that something is guaranteed to happen, the build-up, the wait, and the actual event can be just as exciting and memorable as an unplanned and unexpected proposal. I knew that Luis would propose sometime after I completed my Step 1 exam. I also made the safe assumption that it would happen at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. And even though it eventually happened there, the moment was just as special and even more so, thanks to some scheming parents and a patient fiancé. After months of studying and preparation, the exam was finally over. To celebrate, my parents took Luis and me to Asheville. However, the trip came with a catch in that my parents mandated a road trip through Kentucky, which of course included two stops in bourbon country. Along the way, we hit a couple of local breweries including one surprisingly good establishment just outside of Lexington called Country Boy Brewing where we saw an amazing live band and had some good craft beers, setting the perfect tone for a fun and relaxing get away.

We made it to Asheville on Sunday and spent the day taking in some local food joints and breweries including Urban Orchard Cider Co, Burial Brewing, and Wicked Weed. We then planned out the rest of our trip, which would include stops at Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, and Wedge breweries as well as a much anticipated lunch at 12 Bones Smokehouse. On April Fool's Day, yes...he proposed on April Fool’s day, we spent the day at the Biltmore Estate. The Estate is a very popular place for proposals and after our tour of the house, we walked out past the lawn with a great view of the house. Luis took off his jacket and my parents started taking photos, so naturally I thought this was where he was going to propose. Obviously, I was wrong! We then walked up the dual staircase that faces the front of the estate and yard, another popular photo spot, and we did the same thing. Again, no proposal. At that point, I decided I had no idea how or even when he was going to propose and that I should just stop guessing. My dad pointed out a gazebo with a statue of Diana, Goddess of the Hunt, at the top of the hill and said he wanted to go see it. I believe my reply was something like "That statue looks stupid. I'm hungry." My dad said he was going up to see it anyway and Luis said that we might as well follow. When we got up there, the view was much more amazing than the other two spots. We could see the estate, the gardens, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Luis brought me in front of the statue/gazebo and proposed! I have to admit, his spot was way better than the other two... and I guess the statue wasn't actually "stupid" up close. It was actually a very romantic statue of the Greek Goddess complete with her quiver and faithful hunting dog. So, the adventure I knew would happen and had played out in my head many times, was still more exciting and memorable than I could have ever imagined, which is how I know our lives together will be.