Tyler and I were not set up for a meet cute. Meeting formally for the first time as chaperones at a twenty-four hour church lock in for teenagers, we were both in college, both far too confident, and both not immediate fans of each other. After an already long ten hours into the lock in, my friend Kurrin and I were told that help was on the way to give us an overdue break. In sauntered Tyler DiBernardo with an air like he owned the place. He quickly picked up my sorority jacket, and asked who the Alpha Phi was. When I questioned why, he coolly responded "oh it's you." From that moment, I knew that he was not my cup of tea! Tyler then stayed and graced us with his help for a generous hour, before leaving Kurrin and I alone once more with the wolves. A few years later, and as college graduates, we met again. This time, with much less pomp and circumstance surrounding him, Tyler was kind; humble; and a person you wanted to call a friend. I am just the lucky one who will get to call him husband.

The proposal was as smooth as could be, albeit a few hiccups that the bride was none the wiser to. Without knowing it, Sarah suggested that we go on a date, and what a date it would be. The South Coast Botonical Rose Garden was reserved and ready our lives to take a leap forward. In the car, as curiousity took ahold, Sarah gave her best to figure out what we were up to. Flying kites? No, though the weather was a little too concerning for my comfort. A photoshoot? In some ways. As we pulled towards the garden, which unbeknowst to either of us, was a voting site, to which she excitedly asked, “are we voting?!” As romantic as civil liberties can be, we were not! We casually strolled to the Rose Garden, my heart beating our of my chest, Sarah began to realize what was taking place. Surrounded by rose petals and champagne, a sweet moment was shared. Eventually, after being overcome with emotion Sarah eeked out her “yes” and a wayward crowd cheered from a lower section of the garden. We were welcomed home by both of our families, and let the joy of the moment sink in the rest of the evening.