We can't wait to celebrate our big day with you!

(For Context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN6VR92V70M) I always knew one day I’d tell the story of us, How we were roommates and the sparks flew instantly, At 56 P we felt like lucky ones Now I know my place is always right next to you, On countless adventures in life together, I promised to never trade it for anything Oh, a Nantucket summer Get to meet your family, lead to no doubt So many things that I love about you So many laughs, I can’t stop thinking about you Now we’re laying together and we’re under the stars One night in Hawaii And I’m dying to know Are you loving me, like I’m loving you? Yeah I don’t know what to say Must have just been fate, when we said “I Love You” And the story of us looks a lot like a fairy tale now (Next Chapter) How’d I get this lucky today? With my goofy dance moves, running with you, and dad jokes constantly And we’re living it up with friends in Southie I’m starting to think, one day, I’ll tell the story of us How I love each day waking up with you here But you’re snuggling Rileypup more than me Oh, it’s just the beginning Who are we kidding, together we’re perfect I tell you I love you, again and again I just want to scream it out loud Now after talking to Dave, I’m down on one knee And my heart is racing And I’m dying to know Breezy Beaumont, will you marry me? Yeah I don’t know what to say Since she said yes, and our lives changed that day And the story of us looks a lot like forever now!

However, the journey started months before stringing a dozen Christmas lights through a soccer net in preparation for the big day. Insisting I bring my golf clubs, I was able to transport the concealed net, lights, and remote switch to Aruba – fingers crossed TSA won’t confiscate it! After arriving, I wasn’t going to wait long before popping the question – the ring was burning a hole in my pocket! I scoped out the perfect location and planned everything for the following night. Once Breezy fell asleep, I snuck out of bed and the adventure began. Setting everything up on the beach took hours with most of the time spent untangling lights, which looked remarkably similar to Clark Griswold’s ball of Christmas lights – “little bit of a knot there, Russ!” Once back at the hotel, I faked an elaborate story of homesickness to get Breezy out of the room. After some time (and Jedi mind tricks), I coaxed her to “take a drive”. Visibly nervous and trying to hide the ring box in my pocket, we were off! An unplanned stop in a beach-side parking lot and suggesting a walk on the beach only increased suspicion that I was having a nervous breakdown. “You never know if beaches are safe at night” she said (mind you I’d been there for hours). Reluctantly, we made our way to the beach. Star gazing has been a theme across our relationship, so it was only fitting it play an important part in our engagement too – thanks for cooperating mother nature! With a click of the remote, the lights lit up the beach, and through excited nerves I stuttered to utter the magic words for her hand in marriage. As the shock dissipated and we celebrated our big moment, a security guard came over flashlight in hand as he “thought the tiki hut was on fire” (12 strands of lights will do that, I guess). After explaining the situation, he laughed and in a thick accent remarked, “ahhhh, he’s a romantic. Congrats you two”!

Consistent with the YMCA Southcoast’s mission to encourage life-long development for children and families through programs that build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies... The proceeds from our wedding and other events booked at Shining Tides will help to provide scholarship funds for children who otherwise could not afford to attend summer camp. We can't wait to share this amazing place with you!