In August 2024, we went ring shopping together and found the one Caitlin loved. We talked about our future and decided we wanted to be engaged by the end of the year. By October, I had finally figured out the perfect way to propose. I reached out to one of Caitlin’s best friends, Madison, who lives in Washington, and told her I wanted it to be a complete surprise.

Together, we planned a December trip to make it look like a casual Christmas getaway with friends. Madison “invited” us, along with Caitlin’s sister, Erin and her husband, Bradley, to spend the holiday together. We found the perfect Airbnb on Whidbey Island, right on the water with a gorgeous pebble beach.

After living in Arizona for four years, I had forgotten what a real winter felt like, especially a cold, damp Seattle winter. Knowing Caitlin isn’t the biggest fan of chilly weather, it took a bit of convincing from all of us to get her to walk on the beach during low tide. But finally she agreed, and after she bundled up in all the layers she brought on the trip, we all headed out together.

Once we were far enough down the beach, I gave Madison the signal. Everyone else started heading back to the house, and that’s when Caitlin realized what was happening.

Luckily for me... she said yes.