Will and I were introduced to each other by a mutual friend at USC in 2017. After a few months of friendship, Will swiped up on one of my Snapchat stories in what appeared to be an attempt to flirt. After some back-and-forth and his lack of initiative, I finally asked him if he wanted to grab lunch together. I showed up 15 minutes early to the lunch on April 3, 2018 and experienced a rush of emotions: nervousness, excitement, and hopefulness. When Will came cruising in on a skateboard, my nervousness quickly turned into comfortability. After a successful first date that consisted of Acai bowls and the USC Art Museum, we remained inseparable for the last few weeks of freshmen year, before I headed back to San Diego and he headed back to Chicago for the summer. After an excruciating few months apart, I finally got to see Will again when I flew to Chicago with some friends for the Lollapalooza music festival. We had made plans to grab breakfast together, but Will miraculously showed up the night before on my friend's doorstep. On August 1, 2018, Will FINALLY asked me to be his girlfriend and it was the second easiest "Yes" I have ever said!

We headed to San Diego on the false premise of a “going away party” for Taylor’s brother. Hiking through canyons and swimming in the Costa’s pool, I tried to hide my nerves for our last morning before committing to each other. Taylor’s Mom helped to orchestrate the façade of a family dinner in La Jolla, crafting excuses for errands such that only Tay and I would have time to arrive early for happy hour. I lured her to a picturesque setting for the big question; my hands shaking from months of planning and years of hoping. Atop the La Jolla cliffs and sea lions' ocean cove, I encouraged Taylor to scramble up the steep rocks in her white dress and prayed we’d both make it to the top. I've always prided myself on my strong voice, but that day I couldn't find more than a whisper. I can hardly remember what I said, instead my memory retells fumbling for the ring in my pocket as I knelt to the dusty cliffside stone. I asked, she said yes, and every day since has felt like a dream. Watching from the balcony of a nearby Airbnb, our families witnessed our moment in the same way all of you will join us for our wedding ceremony. For the first time, of hopefully many more, we all sat for a celebratory meal – each table blessed by Costas and Congbalays alike.