It's like a Nora Ephron story. In one of the biggest cities, we lived down the street from each other, a five minute walk, but never crossed paths. Until finally we bumped into each other at the precise right moment... on Hinge. We met at a local cafe, spilled some tea (literally), walked the neighborhood, and something felt different. Maybe it was our Michigan roots. Maybe it was Sara enthusiastically agreeing to a second date before immediately double high-fiving Paul by mistake. Either way, our adventure began. And it hasn't stopped since.

It almost didn't happen! Since so many beaches had been present for milestones in their relationship, from Hawaii to Malibu to Hilton Head, he knew he wanted it to be at the beach. And he knew he wanted it to be a surprise. He convinced their friends Beth and Randy to play a part in this deception. They were meeting for dinner together in Manhattan Beach. Once they arrived, Beth and Randy would text that they got a flat and would be delayed... leaving us to walk the beach. It all went according to plan. Paul guided Sara along the path he had planned to get to their destination. As they approached the sand, the precipice of this landmark moment, Paul suggested they walk towards the water. Sara politely declined. Paul was suspiciously emphatic though and after much coaxing, finally brought her before the ocean where a photographer caught the moment. It was sandy, it was windy, it was clumsy, and it was perfect. Then they did what they loved most... ate Mexican food. 🌮