Five years in the making...

It was a cold New Year's Eve and Jaryd had worked up the courage to invite Ashley to his friends' party. After meeting outside, they brought the party inside and began enjoying the festivities together. Jaryd offered a token of his affection, his Heineken bottle cap, by sliding it casually into Ashley's pocket. By the end of the night, Ashley's pocket was full and the two shared each other's company and conversation late into the morning hours. For weeks following that night, Jaryd continued to woo Ashley with his attempts at delicious, home-cooked meals. Apparently, his attempts were successful as they have been inseparable ever since and continue to build memories they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

The bride and groom were finally able to embark on their first vacation together on the island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. The original plan was to drive to The Cliff of the Dawn, the first place in Mexico to see the sunrise, and GoPro the entire adventure. Well, as life would have it, not everything would go as planned and this spot would be reserved for later in the trip. After their first day getting acclimated to their room, the couple awoke fresh to the warm Caribbean breeze and vibrant sun. They set off to experience all that the small island had to offer, but first they wanted to make dinner reservations at the formal restaurant at their resort. Being effective enough with the Spanish language, Jaryd was able to coordinate a dinner that was prepped for a once in a lifetime proposal, without Ashley becoming privy to what he was up to. As the sun was slowly setting, the couple put on their best outfits and proceeded to check in for their reservation at Las Marias. The two enjoyed fresh guacamole and spicy salted mango drinks all alongside the gorgeous panoramic view of the ocean. While finishing the last course, the waiter, Eduardo, arrived table-side to state that Jaryd had a phone call waiting for him at the front of the restaurant. Jaryd was almost as confused as Ashley, as he did not know what Eduardo had come up with to help him with the proposal. Eduardo asked for the ring. Jaryd, with the slightest hesitation, handed over a couple of months of his wages to a complete stranger whom he had just met that night. Jaryd returned to his seat and played it cool for the next several minutes as him and Ashley decided on dessert choices. Eduardo returned with his helpful staff, a bottle of Champagne, and a plate with a tiny box and the words "Will You Marry Me?" in chocolate sauce drizzled on it. At this moment, Ashley gave a shy laugh and began to cry while Jaryd got down on one knee and proposed. The rest is history...