“We’re getting married!”

On my birthday, I woke up to the warm embrace of the Costa Rican sun, with excitement already brewing in the air. Little did I know, this day would become the most magical day of my life. Roy, my partner in adventure and love, had an extraordinary surprise planned for me. We were staying at Nayara Gardens, a luxury resort nestled in the heart of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. The day started with us embarking on a horseback riding adventure through the lush mountains. As we explored the charming town and ventured out to see the sights, I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate my special day. In the afternoon, we had a couples massage scheduled, and it was unlike any other. Set in the heart of the rainforest, the massage area was surrounded by the tranquil echoes of the forest, and the soothing sound of the rain played the background music to our relaxation. After the massages, we indulged in champagne and strawberries while soaking in a hot tub, feeling utterly content and in love. As evening fell, we returned to our room to get ready for what I thought was a special birthday dinner. Little did I know, Roy had orchestrated an unforgettable proposal. Our driver arrived to take us to the designated location, and as we arrived, I was awestruck by the attention to detail. Walking into the enchanting dinner area, we were greeted by the friendly staff, who introduced us to our private chef. He guided us to our seats, and along the corridor leading to our table, there were rose petals and flickering candles, casting a romantic glow on the scene. It was nothing short of a fairytale setting. We enjoyed an intimate dinner, reveling in each other's company, and when it was time for dessert, the chef brought out Roy's dessert first. He then turned to me and told me he had something special in store. As my plate arrived, I was expecting a simple "HBD" written in chocolate. But to my astonishment, it read, "Will You Marry Me?" Roy was down on one knee, holding a stunning ring that glistened with the fire of the candles around us. Without a moment's hesitation, I said, "YES!" Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as we embraced each other in a moment of pure love and happiness. Everything about this day was perfect, from the horseback ride through the mountains to the tranquil massage in the rainforest, and culminating in the most romantic and heartfelt proposal. I couldn't have asked for a more magical birthday or a more perfect engagement. I'm eternally grateful to Roy for making this day one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life.

The story of how Roy and I first met is like a tale of serendipity and destiny intertwined over the years. It all began during our childhood, thanks to a mutual family friend. That friend, who could probably see what we couldn't at the time, revealed that Roy had a soft spot for me. But in those early years, I was incredibly shy, and I didn't pay much attention to his feelings. Fast forward, not just years but decades later. I found myself back in town to celebrate my niece's graduation. It was at her party that I had my second encounter with Roy. The moment I saw him, I was struck by how incredibly handsome he had become. I remember thinking, "Who is that?" Little did I know that this moment would be the catalyst for a beautiful love story. From that day forward, our lives seemed to have a way of repeatedly crossing paths. It was as though fate was determined to bring us together. Whenever we bumped into each other, we would get lost in each other's eyes, to the point where the entire room around us seemed to disappear. It was an inexplicable connection that was impossible to ignore. As time went on, our interactions deepened, and we found ourselves drawn to each other more and more. Eventually, we took the leap and started dating. From the very beginning, it was clear that Roy was different, and not just because of his dashing good looks. The way he treated me, the heartfelt things he said, and most importantly, his unwavering commitment to his words set him apart. He was a man of integrity, and it didn't take long for me to realize that he was the one I had been waiting for. Our journey had come full circle, from that initial childhood meeting to the serendipitous reunion at my niece's graduation party. But now, as we stand on the precipice of our wedding day, it's clear that every twist and turn in our story was leading us to this beautiful moment, where we are ready to embark on a lifetime of love and commitment together.