We met in the summer of 2016 after I had moved to Northern California to attend a training program for the National Park Service. Janice had just relocated from Los Angeles County to start an internship at a winery in the same area. We rented rooms in the same place and instantly felt a connection. A few weeks later, sparks and stars flew on our first unofficial date- stargazing at Lake Sonoma for the Perseid meteor shower. The rest is history!
After debating over who would do the proposing, I (Julia) set my plan into motion. Enlisting the help of Janice's friend Meghan to photograph the moment, I arranged for a group hike to one of our favorite spots at Armstrong State Redwood Preserve. We hadn't been in many years due to work, travel, and wildfire, so I was excited to be back while keeping the surprise a secret. Halfway through the hike, we found an enormous redwood made of four trees fused together. I gave Meghan the secret signal and took the ring box from my pocket. She took some pictures of Janice and I by the big tree. We made some silly poses- all while I had the ring box open in my hand. Once we ended our "album cover shoot", I got on one knee and presented the ring! Major shoutout to Meghan and Genna for capturing the moment!