August 7, 2022
Lahaina, Maui, HI
Songyu & Ellen
Photos
Songyu proposed on the cliff of Volcano National Park during a trip to Big Island. It was a big surprise, since Songyu didn't share with anyone about his plan and Ellen had no clue. Interestingly, Songyu had ordered the ring, hid it in the garage for a month, and brought it all the way to Oahu then to Big Island. He also gauged the ring size by secretly measuring Ellen's finger while she's sleeping, yet Ellen didn't even notice or suspect a thing. (Yes, she is not a very perceptive person)
As they reached the cliff close to the sea arch known as Holei. Songyu suggested taking a picture for Ellen, so she walked closer to the cliff to pose. But instead of taking the picture, Songyu ran forward, knelt on one knee, and proposed with the ring. The camera caught this slightly out-of-focus photo and captured this moment for them forever.
We met in college when taking the same class and collaborated on a group project.
We were very lucky to be able to graduate together as Class of 2018 at UIUC, and to share the joy of reaching the first important milestone in life.
We both landed jobs in Seattle after graduation.
We shared the passion for outdoors, and went on many many hiking/camping trips in the beautiful summers of Pacific Northwest.
日常犯傻 regularly being silly together
On the summit of Mauna Kea, we asked the stargazing tour guide (who is also a professional photographer) to re-capture the moment of proposal under the stars.
First long-distance trip together at Cancun, Mexico
Now we live happily together in Redmond with our lovely cat Merlot.
For all the days along the way
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