We're getting married!

We met on the dating app, Bumble. Alyssa was getting ready to go rock climbing (shocking) in Holcomb Valley near Big Bear, CA, and Emily was getting ready for work when we both swiped right. We talked for a little while before Alyssa disappeared into the mountains, but we made a point to swap phone numbers and schedule a time to meet. Emily found Alyssa to be very exciting and adventurous and wanted to know more about her; Alyssa found Emily to be charismatic and cute and couldn't wait to meet her. Our first date was at Pizza Port in Del Mar. Alyssa was shocked that Emily lived in San Diego and only drank Coors Light and PBR, so she asked to buy her a "real beer." Emily tried it, liked it, and the rest is history.

Not to spoil the surprise, but Alyssa did know that I was going to propose to her. She didn't know when or how, but she knew it was coming as we had talked about our future together many times before. If you know Alyssa, you know that she loves rock climbing and Yosemite. Every year, my extended family vacations in a small lake town called Bass Lake (about 90 minutes outside of Yosemite Valley). We were going to do my favorite hike—the Mist Trail. The trail meanders along the side of a waterfall that sprays mist all over the hikers. I thought the top of the waterfall was the perfect place to propose, as it blended her favorite location with my favorite hike. Alyssa and I had done this hike a few years prior; but I wanted my sister, Rachel, to come with us, as she had not done this hike before. It was also the perfect excuse to have Rachel there so she could take photos of the proposal. Alyssa had no idea. We finally got to the top, and we were completely soaked. It rained a lot that winter so the waterfall was much bigger than before. All three of us were freezing, so I quickly get Rachel's attention to have her get ready to capture the moment. I tell Alyssa to come over to where I was standing, and I asked her if she wanted to make it official. A huge smile came upon her face and she kissed me. Obviously, she said yes! PS. Her ring did not arrive in time before the trip, so I had to buy a cheap one from target last minute. I was unable to remove the tiny zip ties holding the wedding and engagement rings together. Oops! We are so excited to celebrate with everyone! See you all soon!