We're getting married!

They call Disney World the happiest place on earth. On April 13th, 2019 that could not be more true.. I had only heard Taylor's name, but we'd never met. I arrived in Orlando for our company's annual Chef and Activities conference and went to the check-in table. Taylor was checking in the Chefs. I walked up and introduced myself, she checked me in, handed me a gift bag and off I went. Not realizing yet in that moment that my life was about to become complete. I was watching a presentation when another Chef motioned for me to follow him to the hallway. Out in the hall he gave me Taylor's phone number and told me that it would probably be a good idea that I contact her, I had no idea that our Bosses had been conspiring to get us together. I finished up my day, rushed to my hotel room and sent Taylor a message asking if she'd like to have dinner, I felt a wave of excitement when she said she'd love to, not to mention a bit of relief that my fellow Chef's weren't pranking me. We met for dinner at a very touristy, tropical themed restaurant and ordered drinks. We ended up talking for almost three hours before we even ordered our food, apologizing to the server several times. After dinner walking to Taylor's hotel room, before saying goodnight she asked if i'd like to join her to Disney the next day. I of course said yes. The day started early at Animal Kingdom then Epcot before heading over to the Magic Kingdom. We rode the rides, ate the great park food and talked for hours more. As the sun went down we made our way to the castle for the nightly fireworks show. The music started and the fireworks went off, saying it was magical can't come close to describing how I felt. The next day Taylor was on her way back home to Vancouver, I stayed behind in Florida. Over several months I called every night and made a few trips to Washington to visit. But it wasn't enough. I moved to Vancouver to be near her and start our life together. Magical, just like a Disney fairy tail.

As a child, I imagined what my proposal story would be. I would picture the man, the speech and of course the ring. Now, to have found my life partner, and to have this story to tell, one that is more than I could have pictured for myself, feels more like a dream than reality. And this dream appropriately begins on the quintessential day of romance; Valentine's Day. The days leading up to February 14th began as any other year would; Justin and I started thinking about how we wanted to celebrate the holiday; we decided to have a night at home. Justin planned a beautiful dinner and even suggested that we dress up for the occasion. It would be like a night on the town but in our home. He had planned my dream night. After dinner and dessert, Justin poured champagne and lit a fire. We cuddled up on the sofa and listened to Nat King Cole, one of our favorites. As "When I Fall in Love" came on, Justin held me tighter and told me that song always reminds him of me. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming feeling of warmth and joy. As soon as the song ended, Justin hit replay. He had to have it on that song for what he was about to do. Justin sat up, held my hand, and proposed. I won't write all he said because I don't think reading the words would do the moment justice. It was simply a dream. He pulled a small box from behind him and asked me to marry him. I remember crying even before he got to the "Will you marry me." I knew what was happening, and I couldn't contain my excitement, love, or happiness. I was barely able to squeak out a "Yes." In fact, and Justin can attest to this, I believe all I could manage was a head nod and a kiss.