Spooktober Nuptuals

First impressions are everything. Shelby and Hayden's first in-person meeting started with her awkwardly sneaking up behind him outside Miro Tea and Hayden giving a different name when they placed their drink orders. They had both gone through the online dating gauntlet before, but something about each other gave them confidence this time. Shelby's adventuresome nature and eyes, which you could get lost in, drew Hayden's attention, while Shelby appreciated Hayden's nerdiness and his extraordinary smile. As they began their first date, they quickly realized they had much in common. They spent many hours wandering around Ballard, exploring their favorite shops and discussing everything. It felt like they had known each other for years, and they couldn't believe how easy it was to talk to one another. By the end of the date, both Hayden and Shelby knew they had found something special. But as Hayden hugged Shelby goodbye, he couldn't work up the nerve to kiss her. Instead, he hugged her thrice, wishing he dared to do what he wanted. And as it turns out, he didn't need to worry. Shelby felt the exact same way, and as they walked away, they knew they were meant to be together. Hayden and Shelby have been together since that first date, and they couldn't be happier. Meeting each other on Bumble was the best thing that ever happened to them, and they can't wait to spend the rest of their lives together.

Hayden had planned his proposal to Shelby for over a year and a half, and he knew that the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden was the perfect place to do it due to Shelby’s love of plants and flowers. Hayden's heart was pounding in his chest as they walked through the garden, but he tried to remain calm and composed while Shelby was completely oblivious, very slowly wondering around the gardens. Every detail had been planned for in advance, down to the exact spot in the garden: the Onomea Falls. They went down to the secluded grove by the falls while Hayden's family sneakily stayed back to take pictures. Alone in the palm grove, Shelby was distracted by the numerous beautiful orchids growing on the palm trees. "Look at this one!" she exclaimed, pointing to a beautiful dark purple orchid nearby. "Look at this one," Hayden said, heart in his throat, as he pulled the ring from his bag and got down on one knee. They needed very few words. It even took a beat for Hayden to remember to ask, "Will you marry me?" Happy tears instantly in her eyes, without a second thought, "Yes," Shelby said. As they pulled apart, Hayden slipped the ring onto Shelby's finger. A family heirloom from Hayden's great-great-grandmother, and they both stood there for a moment, taking in the beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding garden. Hayden's family joined them at the falls, with a few surprise guests: Shelby's parents! They and Hayden had secretly arranged for them to be there. Shelby was made to believe that her parents were in Florida but in reality they had been sneaking around the island all week, bringing a new wave of tears and laughs. In that moment, surrounded by nature's beauty and the love of their families, Shelby and Hayden couldn't wait to start this next chapter of their lives. Everyone retired to a lovely restaurant in Hilo to celebrate with delicious food and champagne, but only after calling every family member to share the good news!