Almost everything about this June night in 2017 when I met Endalk was “the usual” — from the happy hour spot, to the friend that I was meeting, to the cocktail in my hand. But one thing was different. My friend asked his wife (Endalk's cousin) to come along. Whether you call it God, fate, or destiny, my friends decision to invite his wife changed everything. When they arrived, we had a great time catching up over drinks. Then the night took some unexpected turns, landing us at Endalk's sisters high school graduation party. That’s where I locked eyes with Endalk for the very first time. All I knew was that our chemistry was undeniable. We talked and let the sparks fly. I could barely make a dent in my glass of champagne because Endalk was right there with a refill every chance he could get. When my friends and I left to go to a nearby lounge, Endalk popped by 30 minutes later because he wanted more face time with me. I was flattered…and intrigued. When I got home that night, I was glowing from the unexpected, spontaneous joy of the evening. Endalk wasted no time in asking his cousin for my number and called the next day to ask me out on a date. Since then, He’s become my best friend and absolute favorite person in the world. Our chance meeting is proof to both of us that everything happens for a reason and that life-changing love can come from the most unexpected places.

The day I proposed to Helen, I wanted it to be not only off-the-charts romantic, but a total surprise to her. My sister’s 30th birthday celebration in LA provided the perfect “cover story,” so I planned to pop the question then. I also wanted to do things the old-fashioned, gentlemanly way, so I made sure to ask each and every member of her family for their blessing, making three separate trips to Oregon to do so. On the day, May 30, 2021, I drove the two of us down to Malibu’s most beautiful beach for what Helen thought was going to be a fun day of sun and sand. On the way there, I tried to play it cool, but I was sweating bullets. I pulled over at a rest stop to collect myself and touch base with the professional photographer that I hired to secretly capture the moment. All of my efforts to keep things under wraps paid off, because when I knelt down and proposed, Helen was completely blown away. And I was overjoyed — and relieved — when she said YES!