It’s FINALLY happening!

Once upon a time in a land called Girard, Princess Aristada met Prince-to-be, Ethan! Haha, just kidding. Those of you that know us as a couple may already know that we were high school sweethearts. I met Ethan because of a boy I used to date. While that relationship ended, Ethan continued to befriend me, and from there our friendship grew. We had bonded at lunchtime over a show we used to like and I would look forward to that time with him. Soon he overtook my thoughts, and although he had asked me to homecoming, he claimed he did not want a romantic relationship with me. I was heartbroken, but little did I know, he had bluffed and only rejected me because he was working towards getting his first car! He decided that if he was to pursue me, he did not want transportation to be an issue (thanks to him actually living in Hubbard). Shortly after his success with a car, the true romance began and we became inseparable. I had some major family hardships and he became my rock, my red blazer escape, and my reason to hope. He loved me unconditionally through it all and stood by me regardless of what came our way. His family served as light at the end of the tunnel and offered to help me to my feet as I lived with his aunt and uncle during the last months of senior year and into my first year of college. Later on we got our first apartment in Hubbard where we have lived ever since. Seven years in the making and dare I say we are stronger and more in tune than ever. We have learned a great deal from one another and from life itself and we could not be happier to continue our journey together through the union of marriage and the challeges it will bring.

Roughly a year in the making, the Best family decided on a big vacation to Oahu, Hawaii! Ethan and I were included - along with his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends! During this vacation we did some really awesome stuff, such as swimming/laying out by the ocean/pool, dining out, seeing the sights of the island, traveling to places like Shark’s Cove, viewing the largest Banyan tree, and going to a Luau! Little did I know, Ethan had been planning to propose! His parents and grandparents were aware of his plans, however, the timing was the hardest part for Ethan due to all of the vacation activities! On the last day in paradise, Ethan and I took a walk between the resort and our villas at Turtle Bay. We came across this little trail, leading to a patch of sand, some shrubbary, and ocean reef. We watched the sunset, and listened to the waves as they crashed along the shore. We had been waiting to go to dinner and has some time to kill. We both wanted to just admire the sea and enjoy our last moments of vacation. The sunset and fluffy clouds were magnificent and every now and again I would catch Ethan glancing at me lovingly. He kept his arm around me the whole time and right before we left he said, “There’s just one more thing I wanna do before we go.” As I turned to face him, he had gotten down on one knee. I was grinning from ear to ear and was in slight disbelief that this was real life. He read my face and with a big smile he said “Oh yes! This is happening! Give me your hand.” He told me that he wasn’t very good at speeches, but that he loved me and the seven years we shared together was awesome and that he knew there would be many more to come! He popped the question, and with happy tears in my eyes I said yes! ❤️