Her Version: Coney Island. Summer Day. Ryan noticed me sunning myself by the pool and simply could not resist striking up a conversation. I never believed in "love at first sight" until I met Ryan on June 24, 2009. His Version: Coney Island. Hotter than Hell. Dragged there by a friend. Turned into the luckiest and best day of my life (to date) when the most beautiful girl walked right in front of me.

Coney Island was a place created for children of all ages, it was not made for twenty-six year old men looking to propose to their long-time girlfriend. I remember the day I first saw Meta like it was yesterday, I could tell you exactly where she was standing and where I was sitting when I smoothly asked her "What is it like going to an all-girls school?" Unfortunately, Coney management also liked the location enough to build a giant water slide on top of it, so in order to not get drenched, that spot was out. After some reconnaissance with an insider employee of the park (Thanks Mom!), I knew exactly where I wanted everything to take place. Moonlite Gardens was built in 1925 and is one of the oldest buildings on this side of town. There was an old stage used for events in the back which was perfect, but there was one issue, all of the doors to get inside were locked. Walking back to the car a little defeated, I noticed there was one more gate we had not checked and wouldn't you know it was unlocked. I was officially prepared to commit a little breaking and entering (B&E) to ask the girl I love to marry me (I apologize if any Coney employees other than my Mom read this). I had everything in place: the ring, a photographer (Thanks Jake!), the lie of why we had to go to Coney while Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson played ever so eloquently at Riverbend next door, and surprisingly, Meta actually believing me. Thankfully it all went according to plan, I blacked out, was sweating my normal excessive amount , had a smidge of nervousness, she said yes, and we went back to her house for the final surprise where I had friends and family waiting to celebrate. The rest of the night was a blur (literally), but I will always savor the moment of getting to ask my best friend in the entire world to stand by me forever.