Engaged in Guam

We’re engaged!

Some of you may be wondering who “we” are since my hubby-to-be is definitely an off-camera, behind the scenes man. This is his first introduction on the blog, and a perfect time to tell our story.

Eric and I met 4 years ago in San Diego. I was certainly not looking for love at the time, but E would have none of that. Our story is a true testament to the theory that opposites attract. I’m extroverted and extremely talkative; Eric is introverted and a great listener. So many of our qualities on paper are at polar ends of the spectrum, but our souls are aligned. We just get each other, and we always have.

On our very first date, we drove to dinner with the windows down, singing together at the top of our lungs. A little piece of my heart was stolen at that moment.

On our 3rd date, I was nervous and embarrassed because I had gotten a bad eye infection and had to wear an eye patch. I wanted to cancel, but Eric insisted that we go out anyway. When I arrived at his house, he swung the door open, greeting me. With a matching eye patch. Just a couple of pirates on romantic, oceanfront dinner for two! The rest of my heart was stolen in that moment.

Fast forward 4 years, several countries, and countless adventures later.

Her Story

We were spending the weekend in Guam. As I packed for the trip, I couldn’t help but think what a romantic and beautiful place for a proposal this might be. Would it actually happen this weekend?

I may have glanced at a few emails on our shared iPad.
I may have checked the hotel safe for any box-shaped objects.
I may have groped his suitcase a few times looking for any secret compartments.
I may have sneaked in a last-minute manicure.

But, *sigh* I found NOTHING.

So, we went about enjoying our weekend. We had been apart on Valentine’s Day the previous weekend, so Eric planned a belated surprise date for us. He said it was some kind of adventure activity (he is the thrill seeker, I get motion sickness on a windy day) and told me to pack sneakers and exercise clothing.

But, before this activity, we agreed to stop at a beautiful and famous coastal spot in Guam called Puntan Dos Amantes, or Two Lover’s Point. I wanted to take pictures for the blog, so I immediately got down to business.

We climbed up to the top pavilion for the best view, where, surprisingly, there weren’t so many tourists. I leaned over the side railing to take a picture, and when I spun back around…Eric was behind me on one knee.

WHAT.

And then I blacked out. The next few minutes were a blur of emotion, but there were laughs, there were tears, and surprise (!) – one of the tourists snapping photos was actually a photographer.

Oh, and there was no adventure activity.

His Story

Just like Rachael, a little piece of my heart was stolen on our first date. It was for slightly different reasons, but the stretchy pants she was wearing when I picked her up for the all-you-can-eat Brazilian steak house confirmed that she was the yin to my yang.

So, why did I wait so long to put a ring on it? Trying to surprise a nosy girlfriend is no easy task. I first had to plan a diversion, so I told her that she should pack for an outdoor adventure. I figured the fear of doing an adrenaline-inducing activity would keep her occupied. The other part of the equation was making her think that stopping by Lover’s Point was solely her idea, which she conveniently found in her research on the places she wanted to visit in Guam.

The weekend before her arrival, I went to Lover’s Point to ask the staff if they could block the highest view deck for me, which they did. I also met with my hidden photographer so we could discuss strategies on where was the best lighting and most likely place that Rachael would go.

Of course, Rachael didn’t go anywhere that my photographer said would be the best place.  So, I walked over to the predefined spot and acted like I was looking at something interesting. Luckily, Rachael took the bait. While she was looking over the edge, I dropped to my knee and brought out the ring.

I think the mission was successful, the surprise on her face looked pretty genuine. I don’t remember exactly what I said when I was down on my knee, but I am pretty sure I only said 25% of what I planned on saying because I was so nervous. I do remember her saying YES!