Every couple has a love story. One of our favorite things is to hear all about our couple’s love stories. How and where they met. How long it took them to fall in love. How the proposal went. All the little details in between. Sometimes they are super romantic. Sometimes very funny. No matter what they are, all are unique and special.
We realized that we have never shared our love story. We want to do that now. Over the next several weeks we will share a piece of our story. It may not be dramatic. It may not be earth shattering. But it is special. It is ours.
Part Three: Still Just Friends
Part Nine: Getting to Know the Families
PART ELEVEN - THE PROPOSAL
Thanksgiving break is a time that many college students look forward to. A break from classes, tests, obnoxious roommates. A chance to get away from campus for awhile. This particular Thanksgiving was especially anticipated by both Ryan and Amberly. They were looking forward to their trip to California with Ryan’s family. They couldn’t wait to enjoy the warm air while driving along the coast of Highway 1, the thrill of riding all the rides at Six Flags, touring the historical Hearst Castle, playing on the beach and the fun of being with family!
This trip was especially anticipated by Ryan. He did not know exactly when or exactly where but he knew he would be asking Amberly the most important question of their lives. On this trip to California, he would be asking her to be his bride and marry him.
The trip ended up being everything they were looking forward to and more! The long drives felt short because of all the laughter, games and talking. Spending Thanksgiving day at Six Flags was a highlight as well as the Thanksgiving “feast” that was prepared in the hotel room kitchenette microwave. The history and vastness of the Hearst Castle was awe inspiring and jaw dropping. The beaches were everything they hoped they would be. Seeing dozens of elephant seals covering the sandy shores was an unexpected highlight.
The most delightful place they stayed along the way was a charming little seaside village nestled in the midsts of a little forest of Monterey Pines. Cambria, California. The perfect location for a proposal.
It was evening, the vibrant colors of the sun slowly sank below the horizon over the ocean. Dinner was over, everyone was relaxing. Ryan quietly grabbed Amberly’s hand and asked her to join him for a drive. They drove through the quiet little town until they came to the beach. Ryan guided Amberly down a path that led to the sand and they walked hand in hand. Their bare feet sinking slightly where the sand meets the water. The sun had set, the darkness of night surrounded them. It was peaceful and beautiful.
Ryan slowed and turned to hold Amberly close as they listen to the sounds of the ocean. Amberly had a pretty good guess as to what was about to happen next. But just to check she placed her hands on Ryan’s chest to feel his heart beat. She felt it, it was beating fast! This was her answer. She knew what was coming and she couldn’t help but smile. At that moment Ryan went down on one knee and although neither of them recall the exact words he spoke, they both remember the joy and excitement they felt that night as he slipped a ring on her finger and she said “Yes!”
