#ToTheMoonanBack

In the promising year of 2013, Ali, having traded the sandy shores of Florida for the mystic landscapes of California, found herself in search of connection. Amidst the vast unknown, an unexpected invitation to stargaze in the enchanting realm of Big Sur became a pivotal chapter in her life’s narrative. Guided by a local companion, Ali encountered Vaughn, a presence that would linger in her world for five years, a friend who seemed blissfully unaware of her very existence. Despite the shared cosmos above, their paths rarely crossed, and Ali navigated the intricate dance of friendship without realizing Vaughn’s silent presence on the sidelines. Over half a decade, their connection evolved through the tapestry of life’s moments—joyous parties, shared birthdays, and impromptu hikes into the heart of Big Sur’s majestic trails. Vaughn’s presence was a constant, silently weaving itself into the fabric of Ali’s life. It wasn’t until one serendipitous day that Vaughn took a leap, inviting Ali on a hike that would forever alter the course of their story. The trails of Baronda became witness to the unfolding chapters of their connection, as they ventured beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary. Mini backpacking trips, shared dinners, late-night movie marathons, and the aroma of freshly baked pies became the threads that wove their story together. Despite the intimacy of their shared moments, Ali remained blissfully unaware of Vaughn’s true sentiments. It took three months of shared laughter, vulnerability, and shared dreams before they stood at the crossroads of friendship and something more. It was a revelation that echoed against the cliffs of Big Sur, as they confessed their feelings beneath the canopy of stars that had once witnessed their first meeting. In that moment, the friendship that had weathered five years blossomed into a love story, painted against the backdrop of the Pacific’s waves crashing on the rugged coastline. Big Sur, with its cliffs and trails, became a silent witness to their journey—a journey that started with stargazing and unfolded into a love as timeless and vast as the very universe that brought them together.

On Vaughn’s 31st birthday, amidst the snow-covered slopes of Heavenly Mountain in South Lake Tahoe, Vaughn and Ali embarked on their annual snowboarding tradition. As customary, they navigated the familiar trail from the Nevada side to the California side, capturing a moment frozen in time at a specific spot with Lake Tahoe’s picturesque backdrop. March 24, 2023, marked a significant day as Vaughn, with a twinkle in his eye, suggested they take their usual snapshot. Little did Ali know that this annual ritual would transcend into an extraordinary moment. Amidst friends and the snowy expanse, Vaughn, with heartfelt sincerity, uttered those magical words, “You know I love you,” unveiling a ring box from his snow jacket pocket. The onlookers, armed with their phones, captured the scene as Vaughn, dropping to one knee, presented a stunning princess-cut diamond ring to Ali. Her radiant smile spoke volumes of the joy that overwhelmed her. Surrounded by the snow-laden mountains and the watchful eyes of cherished friends, Ali said yes to Vaughn’s heartfelt proposal, making it a climax to their five-year journey—a moment so cherished, it became her favorite “yes.”