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Justin proposed while in California during Spring Break. He told Kelsey that he had something special but “non-engagement related” planned for their first day of vacation. They spent the first part of the day eating brunch at Kelsey’s favorite spot, Crema Cafe in Seal Beach, shopping on Main Street, and walking on the pier. In the afternoon, Justin surprised Kelsey with a romantic gondola ride through the Naples canals in Long Beach, complete with a talented, singing gondolier. The boat ride was romantic, but Kelsey was not expecting a proposal because…who brings a ring on a small boat?! Well…Justin Ward, that’s who! As the gondola ride progressed, the gondolier stopped under a bridge, for ideal acoustics, and sang “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra, in English and in Italian. While still stopped under the bridge, a glass bottle floats by in the water. Kelsey, clueless still, says “Oh look, it’s a message in a bottle”. The gondolier encourages her to pick it up out of the water, and as she removes the message, she immediately realizes it is meant for her, as it contains a sweet poem written for her by Justin. As she looks over at him to say “Did you do this?!” She sees he is holding the most beautiful diamond ring and asks to spend forever together. After exclaiming “OF COURSE!” and shedding many tears of pure joy, the boat ride continues. Afterwards, Justin tells Kelsey that they have dinner reservations on 2nd Street in Belmont Shores. As they are walking down the sidewalk, Justin sees a Simmzy’s, which is a local gastropub chain, and says “Let’s check this place out”. Kelsey was confused but followed, and as they approach the door, about a dozen people outside on the patio scream “CONGRATULATIONS”. Justin had not only pulled off a surprise engagement but also a surprise engagement party.