Melissa and Matt met in student government at college. They had just joined and first met at an icebreaker event. We got to know each other at various student government events and eventually started talking consistently when Melissa asked Matt for his number to talk about their dogs. Even though Melissa hated Pugs, they started dating in June regardless of this flaw. Melissa and Matt are both happy to report that Matt has successfully brainwashed Melissa into loving Pugs. It only took 9 years.

Matt and Melissa discussed the ring that Melissa wanted and chose a custom one. The jeweler emailed both of them to say it would take 6-8 weeks to make. The jeweler then emailed Matt alone to let him know it would actually be done in 2-4 weeks. Matt knew then that he had to plan the proposal before Melissa could catch on. Melissa just moved up to Berkeley for her Masters program when Matt made a plan to visit and propose. After talking to Melissa’s family, Matt enlisted the help of Melissa’s sister, Katie, to help with the proposal. Matt took Melissa out for a day in San Francisco where they ate at their favorite restaurant and visited Presidio Park. At the park, Matt asked Katie to take their picture. As they were getting ready to take the picture, Matt distracted Melissa by pointing away and saying “what’s that?” This worked, but not the way initially intended, as Melissa thought Matt was just being dumb because there was nothing there. When she turned back around, Matt was on one knee with the ring and proposed to her. Melissa immediately said yes and felt silly for not catching on sooner. They celebrated by going to dinner in SF and Matt had planned a surprise engagement party with her family.