The Delicate Arch, Arches National Park - Moab, Utah

We had always wanted to plan a trip out west together. We decided that going after I graduated and before I started my full-time job. We decided on a road trip and tent camping. We stopped in Kansas to rest, then stayed in Utah and Colorado for the majority of the trip.

Karlie's POV:

Our second day in Utah we went white water rafting. Our tour guide mentioned free-entry to Arches National Park after 5/6pm. Although we had planned on going the next day (entry pass & everything) we thought it'd be nice to go that evening so we could hike up to the Delicate Arch without the sun beating down on us. Plus, with the right timing, we could watch the sun set from the top. So we did, and as we are hiking up to the top Solo was bookin' it! I was like slow down!?!? (This is like a 500 ft up-hill climb and I'm dying lol)

We make it to the top - BEAUTIFUL. There were so many people up there sitting and waiting for the sunset. Solo set up his camera to film us "walking up to the arch". I of course just thought it was for a cute video montage moment. Little did I know he was about to propose. We made it under the Arch and posed for a picture. I go to walk back and Solo stops me and tells me his shoe is untied. Still oblivious, I was so mad he was up there scaling a cliff with untied shoes. He's down on one knee and pulls out this little blue box. STILL oblivious I thought it was a Bluetooth speaker- until he opens it and flashes me my disco ball diamond ring.

The first words to come out of his mouth.. "I'm sorry", referring to the crowd of people watching. I always said I didn't want a public engagement. But in this moment it didn't matter. However, I'm still waiting for him to say the words "will you marry me". Just like the day he asked for my Snapchat, I had to prompt him.

As we are walking back people were stopping us to congratulate and send us pics/ vids. Very wholesome. When we got back to the car, he has me watch a video he complied of my friends and family congratulating us. Of course we celebrated by having dinner at a local Mexican restaurant with some top tier margaritas.

Solo's POV:

About two weeks before our road trip, I shared the idea of proposing to Karlie during our vacation with my dad. The thought of proposing had been on my mind for over a year, but figuring out the perfect way to do it was a puzzle. Gradually, ideas started flowing in, and a few days later, I purchased the ring. But then, fate stepped in, and a couple of days after that, I came across another ring that just felt more right. So, I managed to discreetly order the new ring online while sitting right next to Karlie on our way to Nashville.

Wanting to add an extra layer of surprise, I decided on a last-minute whim to put together a video. I wanted to collect messages from her close friends and family, filled with heartfelt congratulations and responses to some meaningful questions. Wayne, one of my best friends, managed to edit the final 30-minute video in just three days! As we continued our journey to Utah, I struggled to keep my excitement contained.

Holding onto this surprise was tough, but I knew that the moment I revealed it would make all the stress and hiding worthwhile. When I found out we might have a chance to visit the arch earlier than expected, I jumped on it. I wanted to share this surprise with Karlie against the backdrop of the arch. So, there we were, rushing to the arch, and in my head, I was planning how to ask the big question or set up the camera for the perfect shot. Little did I know that we'd end up with over thirty pairs of eyes watching.

Sure, I was nervous, but I was determined to put those nerves aside. Not everyone gets to say they proposed under the delicate arch. As our turn came to step under the arch, my mind was racing with thoughts like, "Karlie might not be thrilled about being proposed to in front of all these people". As we finished our pictures I resorted to the classic "Oops, my shoelace is untied!" trick. It was my way of making sure Karlie wouldn't walk away before I could pop the question. On one knee, ring in hand, I was practically beaming, barely able to contain my happiness and excitement.

Karlie playfully asked, "So, are you going to ask me?" And ask, I did—with a heart full of love and anticipation. Looking back, this was a mix of stress and sheer happiness, a unique moment that will forever be etched in my memory.