Irene and I's story began in college, where we shared mere fleeting greetings as we passed each other. Little did we know, destiny had bigger plans for us. Fast forward to a few years later, as I embarked on a journey to teach English in South Korea, Irene found herself in Taiwan with the same purpose. In an unexpected turn of events, my school was searching for additional teachers and I remembered Irene from our college days. Taking a leap of faith, I reached out to her, sparking a chain of events that would forever change our lives. With excitement, Irene made the decision to come teach in South Korea. As we worked side by side, something special began to blossom between us. Irene loved the dynamic of having me as her boss, and our camaraderie grew stronger with each passing day. In the midst of lesson plans and classroom adventures, we found ourselves bonding over shared experiences and laughter. As the seasons shifted and time went on, our connection deepened beyond the classroom walls. Exploring the vibrant country and rich culture of South Korea together, we embarked on countless adventures that etched cherished memories into our hearts. The scenic hikes, night markets, and tranquil temples became the backdrop of our budding romance. Amidst the beauty of the country and the warmth of our friendship, love blossomed unexpectedly. With hearts intertwined, we took a leap of faith once again and embarked on a new chapter as a couple, ready to explore the the world. And so, a chance encounter in college and a serendipitous reunion in a foreign land brought Irene and me together. Our story was built upon leaps of faith, shared adventures, and a love that bloomed against all odds.

In Samara, Costa Rica, where the ocean met the sky in a soothing blend of hues, Irene and I found ourselves on an early morning sea kayak escapade. The waves challenged us, but determination led us to the gorgeous and romantic Playa Rosada – the pink sand beach. Our kayaks landed on the shore, almost as if guided by the presence of a sea turtle that had surfaced just moments before, as if offering encouragement. We secured the kayaks and strolled along the rocky coast, stumbling upon a hidden cave entrance that felt like a secret haven. As our tour guide kindly snapped a photo against the cave's backdrop, I took a deep breath and dropped to one knee. My heart raced as I shared the honest truth of how Irene made each day better than the last. With a tear of joy in Irene's eyes, a joyful "yes" echoed in the caves To celebrate, we toasted with champagne, mango and pineapple, a cute little surprise from our guide. It was all safe until we were surrounded by shockingly big hungry iguanas. There was no escape, we had to pay the island fruit tax.