1920’s attire or accessories highly encouraged but not required (formal attire if no 1920’s attire).

What started as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend three weeks in New Zealand quickly turned into an adventure we’ll be telling stories about for the rest of our lives. Like any big trip, it began in the least glamorous way possible—waking up way too early, throwing bags in the car, and heading to the airport. This was the first international flight Kyler and I had taken together, and for Kyler it was his first vacation in another country. We were heading to New Zealand to meet our good friend Stephen, who lived in Gibson. He generously agreed to play tour guide and show us around both the North and South Islands. Naturally, we all had a few “must-see” stops along the way. Mine were very clear: zip-lining, Hobbiton, and basically every possible Lord of the Rings location we could find. The trip itself was magical. We explored incredible landscapes, took long scenic drives, and saw views that didn’t even look real. Visiting Wētā Workshop felt like stepping into another universe—seeing how they create the creatures, props, and costumes for the films was unreal. We even got to hold some of the swords used in the movies and, possibly the highlight, real hobbit feet. We also did a three-hour treetop zipline tour that was breathtaking and peaceful. Then there were the less glamorous moments… like the sulfur fields. You know that rotten egg smell that makes you feel like you might throw up? Imagine that smell multiplied by ten. Needless to say, I was not a fan. Now… back to the part where my boyfriend became my fiancé. Only three days into the trip we headed to Hobbiton, and I was practically vibrating with excitement. The entire drive there I kept telling Kyler and Stephen that nothing could top this moment. Spoiler alert: I was very, very wrong. We joined a tour group of about 20 strangers and eventually arrived at the crown jewel—Bilbo Baggins’ house. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, seeing Bag End in person is pretty spectacular. Then Kyler turned toward me, said my name in that very serious voice… and that’s when it clicked. So naturally I said the most romantic words imaginable: “No. You’re not doing this here. You are NOT doing this here.” Instead of a graceful fairytale moment, I immediately spiraled into one of the most amazing and mildly terrifying panic attacks of my life. The amazing part: I was getting proposed to. The terrifying part: it was happening in front of 20 complete strangers. Those strangers quickly turned into 20 of our closest friends as they watched the whole thing unfold. After I finally calmed down, Kyler asked again—and of course I said yes. For the next 30 minutes I barely spoke, still recovering from the emotional rollercoaster that had just happened in front of Bilbo Baggins’ house. Now every time we watch the movies, I get to say something very few people can: I got engaged right in front of Bilbo Baggins’ house in Hobbiton. And yes… there were witnesses.