At the end of a long work day my mother and godmother told me to get ready to check out the venue I loved to see it all together & make sure it was the one. While we three were walking around and planning exactly what would go where I turned the corner and noticed no one was walking with me anymore. Standing under the Zen Moon Gates was Matthew, smiling at me from ear to ear.

After hugging him hello, he dropped down to one knee, pulling out a 3D-printed ring pop box; I always told him I would say yes with just a ring pop. Inside of the ring pop was my dream engagement ring. Overwhelmed with so many emotions, tears welled as I said, "Yes." Our soon-to-be wedding photographer, Steve, came out from his hiding spot in the bushes, and we walked around the sanctuary taking photos, excited about the engagement photos that we cannot wait to hang next to our future wedding photos.

-Nic

Nicole, Orli, and I went shopping for rings to see what style she liked after a whole lot of nothing but love, affection, respect, and fun. Knowing I was going to buy a ring I was very excited to see what she would pick. Nicole had picked out her dream ring and I bought it right on the spot without her knowing. Many months I needed a squad to help me carry out this stealthy mission, so I recruited Orli, Laura, Alexis, and Steve. Alexis was the behind the scenes agent, helping me pick what to wear because I’m not only colorblind but I also have no fashion sense at all. Steve was the photographer who was hiding in bushes with me (It will make sense later). Orli was not only the brains of the operation but a very important part of setting everything up. Laura and Orli told Nicole that they wanted to see the wedding venue Nicole thought she wanted to get married at because Laura had never seen it before. Little did Nicole know, Steve and I were already at the venue waiting for them to arrive, HIDING IN A BUSH. Nicole as always looked so gorgeous and as the three of them walk up to our hiding spot, Laura and Orli turned around and left Nicole walking. I stepped out of the bush and walked over to my spot as she’s walking towards me with the brightest smile and I got on one knee. Thankfully she said YES. I wanted to give the already gorgeous venue a little more meaning for Nicole and I which is why I chose to propose there. This place will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

-Matthew

N&M