We met in 2011 at Torrance High School in physical science class. We shared lots of stories and hobbies across the table. Even after Blake graduated high school, we stayed close. And soon, our friendship blossomed into something more special.

After spending the day watching a movie with our closest loved ones, Blake suggested we take some graduation photos. The year before, he’d missed his ceremony after catching COVID, and he never got to celebrate properly with his class. We headed to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with its sweeping ocean views and calm, late-afternoon light. While we were taking in the scenery, he asked for a candid photo of us looking out at the water. I turned to smile at the camera — and instead saw him down on one knee. I said yes, completely caught off guard, and just like that, we stepped into a new chapter of our lives.