"Dating exists for evaluation - not a status to dwell in but a process to move through."

-Ben Stuart

Reuben and Elise did not desire to dwell in the dating phase longer than necessary, so after many conversations and talking with those closest to them, they decided to take the next step.

They had a lovely, sparkly time going ring shopping together to get an idea of what Elise might like, but she ultimately left the final decision up to Reuben.

Throughout their dating relationship, they often took turns planning "surprise" dates for each other. One May evening, Reuben decided to plan the ultimate surprise date. He picked Elise up on May 22 and drove her to Eureka Lake -- one of their favorite spots to go walk together. After a trip around the lake, they made their way to a little walking bridge to look into the stream below. As Elise looked over the bridge to see what critters she could find, Reuben waited behind her on one knee holding a ring box. He expressed his love and desire to spend the rest of their lives together and popped the question. "Will you marry me?"

#cuethetears

Elise's mom and sister were conveniently camouflaged behind some bushes and captured the whole proposal where Elise, of course, said "YES!!"

After enjoying a special, celebratory dinner as a newly engaged couple, Reuben and Elise met up with their families and texted, FaceTimed, and called their people to share their happy news. The following days were filled with excitement and chaos as Elise and Reuben prepared to leave for Belize with Elise's family on May 25.

The happy couple spent a week in tropical bliss where they got to enjoy many new adventures and spend some intentional time together. Following the trip, the engagement season has been filled with summer wedding planning, pickleball dates, and (im)patiently counting down the days to November 23. Elise looks forward to Reuben grabbing her left hand every day and flashing her ring around as he exclaims, "bling bling bling!!!" (it's possible that, as much as Elise loves her engagement ring, Reuben loves it more), and Reuben looks forward to Elise's reminders that, "November really isn't that far away..."

#deluluisthesolulu

They are truly so excited for their wedding day to be here and to celebrate with you all! They hope you've enjoyed reading their story and getting to know them a little bit more :))