H - Here’s the story behind the photo. When we planned to spend Christmas at the central coast with Audrie’s family, I knew it would be the perfect proposal opportunity. I had purchased an engagement ring and hidden it in my car. Audrie knew something was up, but she didn’t know about the ring. We both knew we were in love and wanted to get married. She wanted to know when I would propose and where was the ring? She had no idea that we were driving around with the answer. A- Of course I knew something was up! But I played it cool. I innocently looked forward to an awesome beach trip to see my family with my amazing true love. H- On the way to the Austin airport for our trip to California, Audrie could sense something was up. She knows me very well. She asked me if I had everything, and I told her yes I do! She said are you sure? Then I said you know what you are right--I did leave something very important at home! A- I couldn’t believe him! He tells me he forgot sunscreen! Something big forgotten indeed! I had a rising suspicion since I was kindly told to pack nice clothes and Maria had invited me to get our nails done. But who knew for sure? Maybe Hans wanted a new motorcycle? Was he just planning to wine and dine me to a yes on that topic?! H - We made it to San Jose and then Cayucos, where we would celebrate Christmas with our family. The beach house had large windows in a sitting room that overlooked the beach and I was able to see the perfect spot to propose to the love of my life. A- I loved the beach house! Cozy chairs facing the ocean and beautiful views. The sunsets were indescribable. We found a slice of heaven in the beach town we both grew up loving. H - Audrie and I went for a walk collecting sand dollars. She wanted to use them for an arts and crafts project, but I had other ideas. I told her they would look beautiful as a heart but she didn’t quite get what I was saying. A- The beach was covered in sand dollars. We collected so many and talked about what we could do with the sand dollars. I didn’t understand the heart hint at all! H - I watched and timed the sunset to make sure I had the perfect moment. While Audrie napped I took our collected sand dollars and wrote out in the sand the message that would start our new life together! She said yes and we had the most perfect moment encapsulated in time. This beautiful location holds a forever place in my heart! A- This was it! It was happening! He is gonna propose! Oh no it’s actually just a really long walk on the beach. Okay then, I love walking on the beach. Maria said why not take a nap before dinner? What a great idea! So I’m sound asleep when she wakes me up with an urgent need to go outside! Okay okay, so now is it happening? Oh no, wrong again, because Dory (our silly dog!) is coming. So I head down to the beach, and oh what a handsome man - my handsome man- standing by the sand dollars in the SHAPE OF A HEART. I was so happy to see my sweetheart get down on one knee and commit to a life of love, joy, and adventures with me! A&H - We are so happy together- and we look forward to sharing our wedding day with you!