We met at Ken's (Rachele's brother-in-law) 30th birthday - dinner at Hy's Steakhouse and after party at M Nightclub. I was single. She was single. I tried to shoot my shot with small talk and dancing but that didn't succeed. A few weeks later, I followed her on Instagram. She followed me back. I posted an IG story of a Bishop Square. She commented if that was Thomas Square. I replied - "No, Bishop Square." And, there our rapport began. I posted my first experience at Hy's Steakhouse. She laughed. A bunch of people laughed. We later talked about numbers and excel spreadsheets. Eventually, I asked her out. With the advice and food recommendations of her brother in-law, I took her to Yanagi for our first date. We ended the date with some potted milk tea at Mr. Tea and a game of corn hole at Salt Kakaako. We made a bet- If she won we would continue on to our second date; If I won, we would remain friends. Duh! Of course I let her win hahaha. For our second date, we went to Sydney Bills Waikiki (now Westman Cafe) and held her hand for the first time. Our relationship progressed with in a month. Then on our third date, she became my girlfriend and kissed her for the first time.

CJ and I planned the surprise proposal to be on the same day as Rachele's graduation photoshoot. Photoshoot was held at Hawaii Hall building at UH Manoa. I printed poster boards and had Rachele use them props. She did not know what was on the poster boards. She held the last poster board that asked "will you marry me?" I dropped down to one knew and asked for hand in marriage. Not sure what I said specifically. She said yes. Family and friends hid around the area during the proposal and surprised Rachele at the end. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in soon!