Some love stories start with fireworks. Ours started with a five-hour date, three different locations — and one very nervous guy stalling for time before finding the courage to ask a question.

It was the final semester of high school, 2014 — while most people were counting down the days, I was about to meet my biggest blessing of all: Alice. From the moment we spoke, it felt like we had known each other forever. As we started our first semester at the University of Texas at Dallas, I knew I had to make it official. I was plotting the most obvious “will you be my girlfriend?” date in history. After a memorable (and nerve-filled) day, I finally asked Alice if she’d give me a chance — to be her boyfriend. Thankfully, she said yes — and just like that, our adventure began.

Our first trip together wasn’t far behind. We took a trip to Austin, Texas, where a good friend graciously hosted us — and patiently played the unofficial third wheel while we laughed, explored, and soaked in every moment of those early days of falling in love.

From there, our bond only grew stronger. We set big goals together: earning our master’s degrees in accounting while balancing work, classes, and countless late-night study sessions. We weren’t just dating — we were a team. Between classes and study sessions, I even became a one-man delivery service, driving to Chipotle for her burrito bowl and then making a second stop at Qdoba just to get her favorite queso — because sometimes, love is in the details.

College wasn’t all books and burrito bowls, though. We discovered a shared passion for fitness (although she had to patiently endure my “no eating out” rule during my men’s physique competition days). Through every exam, every mood swing, every late-night gym session — she was there. We were building not just degrees or muscles — but a life.

After graduation, we tackled the CPA exams together — pushing each other, supporting each other, and celebrating every milestone along the way. Whether it was my last-minute cramming or her perfectly organized study sessions, we always found a way to cross every finish line together.

In 2020, we bought our first home together in McKinney, Texas — and started building the life we had always dreamed of. At the heart of it all was Disney — Alice’s beloved (and now our beloved) wiener dog, who’s been happily running the show since the day I met her. From the start, Disney made it clear I was her second favorite human, and our little family has been inseparable ever since.

And then came December 2024 — the day I asked her to be mine forever. On the beaches of Cancun, as the sun dipped low into golden hour, I led Alice to a private setup of flowers overlooking the ocean. With my heart racing faster than the waves, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said yes, and we celebrated with a private beachfront dinner under a romantic thatched-roof cabana, just the two of us (and a few happy tears).

Now, after nearly 11 years of growing together, supporting each other, and building a life side by side, we’re beyond excited to tie the knot in beautiful Oahu, Hawaii — surrounded by our closest family and friends.

We can’t wait to celebrate the beginning of our forever with all of you.