Michael and I first met in August 2016 through the dating app Bumble. We immediately connected on our love for animated movies, both stating our favorite animated movie at the time was Monsters Inc. After a few days of talking online, Michael asked me to go on our first date. I mentioned my love for ice cream and Michael (in his words very cleverly) asked me to get "ice cream and chill." While talking on our date, we realized that we had even more things in common, especially when it came to searching for our favorite foods in Seattle. One of which was finding the best grilled cheese - which mine happened to be at a restaurant right across the street. So we extended our first date and got grilled cheese and beers because we didn't want the night to end! We continued to talk and laugh for hours into the night and that's when we knew we had something special. Now, every year on August 18th, we love getting ice cream to “chill” and celebrate how we met.

I had been going back and forth on planning the perfect proposal. Then in February, Nataly and I decided to go to Maui. That was when I knew I was going to propose there - what can beat beautiful beaches and fish tacos? Many friends highly recommended going to the top of the Haleakala crater for the sunrise on the first morning since we would still be adjusting to the time difference. I thought, perfect! We can get engaged the first day and enjoy the rest of our vacation together. I wrote a post-it note for my phone the night before to ask a person secretly to take pictures as I proposed. Then, we set our alarms at 3am and drove in the dark for hours to get to the top of the crater. When sunrise came, it felt like a typical Seattle winter sunrise - cold, misty and covered in grey clouds. I decided this was not the moment to propose. We were disappointed, but still in high spirits ready to relax at the beach. So we drove back, lathered ourselves in sunscreen, and walked down to the beach. As soon as we sat down, the wind picked up and sand was hitting us like rocks. Within 5 minutes, the beach was deserted. After driving all morning, missing the sunrise, and not being able to relax at the beach, Nataly admitted defeat and was not happy. It was after that day I realized I could not take any sunny day for granted and brought her engagement ring wherever we went. The next day, we decided to drive the Road to Hana. Out of everything I researched about Maui, I was most excited for our stop at Wai'anapanapa State Park, a black sand beach. Once we got to the beach, Nataly could not stop gushing about how this beach was her favorite view! Nataly happy? Check. Sun was out with a gorgeous view? Check. Engagement ring? Check. Although I didn't plan it this way, it was time! I proposed at the top of a lava rock overlooking the water and she said yes! The rest of the day was filled with smiles, laughter and excitement. It ended up being the perfect day!