We first met in our Calculus Class at Cabrillo College and started dating the following semester.

I proposed to Martina the day of my graduation from UCSC. We had a family brunch at the Chaminade Resort before my afternoon ceremony on campus. Martina had mentioned that she wanted her proposal to be at a gathering with friends and family so proposing at this event made sense and provided me with the much-needed cover to recommend she get her nails done and be dressed up while not completely showing my hand and ruining the surprise. Before the brunch, I coordinated with the Resort management and a couple of key family members to ensure the plan was solid. Once everyone arrived at the resort, we gathered on the wedding vista overlooking Santa Cruz for family photos. The final photos were of just Martina and me. I pointed to something in the distance in Santa Cruz to get her to turn around; I then commenced to getting on one knee and opened the box (somehow managing to not fumble the box, I was beyond nervous and nearly trembling). She then turned around and I asked her to marry me. The hotel staff brought us Champaign and we toasted to the beginning of our journey together. We proceeded to brunch, my graduation, and an evening out with close friends. We set off to the Bahamas to celebrate our engagement and my graduation a couple of days later. - TK