We met in the one place that brought us both to island; Queens Surf Break. It was early evening when Martina paddled over to Jesse to share that she had seen a surf video of him. "Did you know that there is a video of you on the interwebs?" She asked with zeal and then continued, "They called you the Waikiki Legend!" Jesse blushed although the reflection from the sun setting covered it up. It was casual chit chat. We introduced ourselves, and then paddled away... About a week later, by happenstance, we saw each other again in the water! Jesse was brave and made an official ask this time to have a surf date. Martina blissfully accepted his invitation. On Saturday morning, April 16, 2022, we met up on the beach, paddled out to Queens and played in the surf. There were small waves, but the affection for each other was BIG. After we were sun soaked and so hungry, Martina asked Jesse if he wanted to have brunch. Farmhouse Cafe was where Jesse chose to go. Our conversation flowed so sweetly and honestly, as tables around us came and went. We stayed. There was rain that afternoon too. It added to the playfulness of the mood. Since that brunch, we have been inseparable. You know that saying, there are plenty of fish in the sea? Luckily we live on an island, surrounded by the sea, and found the most prized fish for each other, happy as can be!

Dreams of getting married and spending our lives together was already in the making. There weren't big dreams of being married for either of us... until we met each other. It was after Martina passed her MFT exam, making her licensed in Hawai'i, that we decided to island hop to Kaua'i for the day. Tickets booked and a day bag packed, we zipped away to celebrate. Kapa'a for boutique shopping and eating was what we did first. We love to stroll along the street and snack along the way. It was exactly what Martina needed and what Jesse needed after surviving Martina's obsessiveness of passing the exam! Next stop was Kauapea Beach or Secrets Beach. Jesse had once long ago visited Kauapea Beach when he was 20. He explained that it was a mile hike down hence the nickname Secret Beach, opening to a magnificent view. Always up for adventure, they scurried down the cliff side and found themselves exactly where they were supposed to be, like always. Oversized black lava rock lined the coast as the white beach break emphasized the turquoise of the water. In the distance, a lighthouse sat peacefully on the cliff waiting for the night to fall so it can light up. Only ten beach goers were in sight, all scattered here and there. Jesse set up the tripod and mysteriously asked Martina to pose from afar. "So weird," she thought to herself and then out loud to Jesse. She didn't understand and wasn't convinced however she went with his request because that's what you do when you're in love. He came to her side and they posed for a picture. Thinking it was complete, Martina turned away... and when she turned back around, Jesse was on his knee! Hearts pounding, ocean applauding, and tunnel vision on each other like no one else existed. Words spilled out of Jesse's heart and made their way out of his mouth and then he asked, "Will you marry me?" Then presented Martina with his grandmother's wedding ring; the ring she wore for 60 years. Stunned Martina was. All that left her mouth was, "shut up!" Then a gasp, hands covering her mouth, and then tears made their way down her cheeks. Jesse matched her tear-for-tear as he slipped the perfectly sized ring on her finger. Jesse was still elated until he realized she didn't give answer! "YES!" Martina screamed and jumped into his arms. On the plane ride home, Martina asked Jesse to say again what he said on the beach because she was overcome with joy that she stopped listening. Jesse admitted he didn't remember either! We realized, like many of our most special moments, it wasn't what was expressed, it was how we felt. And we felt everything all at once...