we're getting married!

When I think about the love and Christian and I share, I cannot help but be amazed. SOO many things had to have happened in order for him + I to meet. He had to be adopted by Lorie + Steve and I had to move across the country (to name a few). I am blown away by the fact we met and that we fell in love the way that we did. Both Christian and I moved to California in 2013. But it took us three years until we became friends. In 2016, our paths were aligning. It was January and we were planning a birthday party for a mutual friend. It was then that he made me laugh + I was pretty much instantly hooked. It took a couple of months, but eventually we hung out one on one. There was a connection that we shared that amazed both of us. We went to Rohner Park, rode longboards, and chatted the night away. The conversation was effortless. Since that day, we haven't stopped texting.

For months we were "just friends," but the crush was REAL. At the end of July, one of my all time best friends got married. That night, after the wedding, Christian + I returned to Rohner Park. We were dressed up, the air was warm, and I was just so happy to be with him. Christian has always been someone that has been respectful + kind, in this moment he was that way, too. He asked me if he could kiss me. Of course, I quickly answered "yes." Two weeks later, we went on our first official date + became official boyfriend and girlfriend.

It was a sunny Thursday. I knew the rain was returning, so it felt extra special that the sun was out for our all-day date. I was nervous as he picked me up. Thankfully, my nails were freshly painted. The day started with us going to Renata's Creperie. Breakfast is my favorite meal to share. The food was perfect. We had great conversation about summer plans. After brunch, we went to the beach. On the beach we enjoyed the sunshine and the sounds of waves crashing. We collected driftwood. We had lots of giggles and I felt so in love. After the beach, we went to a small little town that we used to spend a ton of time in. We sat in a spot we had been many times before. We talked about how far we have come as a couple. We talked about how this relationship had pushed us to grow as individuals and grow together as a couple. After that, we returned to Rohner Park. We sat and talked about puppies and how happy we were. We returned to the bench we originally sat at when we had first ever hung out. Christian asked me to go on a walk. We didn't get very far and I turned around. I found him down on one knee. I couldn't believe that it was happening! I kept squealing "NO! This isn't happening?! Are you really doing this!!" He was sweet and gentle with me, despite my interruptions. It was the best "Yes" I ever said.