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Rochelle & Stephen

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Stephen Mark

and

Rochelle Vander Tuig

December 5, 2024

Oceanside, CA

How We Met

First come booze, then comes kisses.

In a classmate's casual party, Rochelle and Stephen's journey began subtly amidst laughter and drinks. Evolving from friends to "best friends," they remained constants in each other's lives despite pursuing other romantic avenues.With time, their connection deepened until one night, fueled by liquid courage, Stephen's kiss transformed their bond into something romantic, defying their expectations.Since that pivotal moment, they've navigated love's complexities together, sharing laughter, overcoming challenges, and deepening their understanding. Theirs is a tale of unexpected magic, where a single kiss became the foundation of an inseparable bond.

The Proposal

06.03.2023

In a story spun with enchantment and humor, Stephen orchestrated a magical evening for Rochelle, blending romance with the whimsical. Armed with Rochelle's cherished snacks—cheese, salami, and pickles—Stephen chose the picturesque Carbon Canyon Park, adorned with rare red oak trees, as the backdrop for their love story. As they strolled through the park, Stephen, attempting to be subtle, guided Rochelle with a twinkle in his eye. Rochelle, however, possessed an intuition as deep as their connection. Days before, Stephen had daringly suggested a nail date, a rarity Rochelle hadn't indulged in for over three years. With a knowing smile, she quizzically asked, "Are you trying to propose? Because only men about to propose ask women if they want their nails done." Caught off guard, Stephen fumbled, "Huh? Really? No, my nails are gross, and I thought it would be a cute date." Rochelle, undeterred, playfully brushed it off. Yet, the romantic hints continued. Stephen, known for his laid-back style, had meticulously styled his hair that morning. Rochelle, intrigued by this departure from the norm, couldn't help but wonder why he wasn't wearing his usual hat. Dismissing it as wishful thinking, she went along with the adventure. After the hike, as they stood amidst the grandeur of the red oak trees, Stephen persistently expressed a desire to return to a specific spot for a photograph. Rochelle, still enchanted but skeptical, indulged him. In a twist of fate, as Stephen reached into his bag, attempting to retrieve the ring discreetly, Rochelle found herself unexpectedly blessed by a bird above. Tradition held that bird droppings brought good luck, and in that moment, the clues felt more like destiny than mere wishful thinking. Rochelle, sensing the magic, decided to gaze at the sky, giving Stephen the time to orchestrate his heartfelt proposal. On one knee, surrounded by the timeless beauty of the red oak trees, Stephen posed the question Rochelle had waited for over a decade to hear, "Will you marry me?" In that sweet and serendipitous moment, love blossomed under the shelter of the rare trees, creating a memory that would forever be etched in the tapestry of their romantic journey.

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