BY TYLER GLASER in 2025

Leigh Ann and I celebrate our anniversary with a trip for New Year's every year. In 2025, our anniversary trip turned into a memorable proposal with ostriches, beavers, tiki drinks, and lots of water.

There’s a charming Danish-themed town north of Santa Barbara called Solvang, a favorite stop for road-trippers. The idea for a trip came when I learned about a beaver population along the Santa Ynez River— Leigh Ann had grown very fond of beavers in 2024. I thought it would be fun to follow the river, and "look for beavers."

During the holidays, we shared our travel plans with Leigh Ann's parents. Neal and Aimee told us about the special moment they first said "I love you" on their trip to Solvang. Since we were already planning to visit Solvang, I thought the Santa Ynez River nearby would be the perfect place to propose. When Neal mentioned wanting some of my homemade Christmas lasagna, it gave me the opportunity to surprise them with lasagna and ask for their permission to marry Leigh Ann.

As we embarked on our road trip, we made a stop at Lake Cachuma, where the Santa Ynez River begins. We traveled along the water which ended up being an unplanned yet symbolic part of our journey, mirroring the path of our relationship — from its beginnings, flowing through time, and ultimately reaching the ocean.

I’d never been to Solvang and didn’t have a clear plan for when or where the proposal would happen. After some discussions, Leigh Ann and I knew I would propose on this trip, but I wanted to keep the details a surprise. Leigh Ann had assumed I’d propose on New Year’s Eve, maybe by the twinkle lights in the town plaza or at a restaurant. She had no idea I had planned for New Year's Day instead.

On New Year’s Day, Leigh Ann had dressed casually, thinking we were just going for a hike. I had a few locations in mind but I couldn't decide which one, thinking that we'd drive around and it would eventually become clear to me. Our first stop was the Santa Ynez River (just outside of town). When we got to the river, I left my backpack (with the ring) in the car, not sure how long we'd be there. Stepping down the hill to the river, it was beautiful! We spent a few minutes looking at birds and plants when I decided I would propose somewhere along the river. I left her for a few minutes to grab my backpack (and the ring). At that moment, I really hoped she wouldn’t catch on.

A magical, friendly woman with dogs appeared to wish us a happy New Year and hinted at a beautiful spot further down the river that we ought to see, and I thought, “That’s a sign!” We eventually found an area that was close to the water with oaks and beautiful plants. Pretending I was birding, I darted off to identify a perfect spot when we happened upon what appeared to be an old beaver lodge, and when Leigh Ann pointed it out, I knew it was the right place. I threw down my backpack and pulled out the ring, got down on one knee, and said "Will you be my beaver?" and asked her to marry me. She said yes with great enthusiasm and tears. We both got a little emotional, shared a few sweet words, kissed, and hugged.

The ring was a special pearl my dad had given my mom years ago, and I was lucky enough to get it refitted just in time for the trip.

The next day, we went to Surf Beach where the Santa Ynez River meets the ocean. We took a few pictures, had a picnic, and we wrote poetic messages to each other.

We celebrated our engagement with a drink at a tiki bar and a novel experience at an ostrich farm.

Looking back, we couldn’t have asked for a better weekend to start the next chapter of our lives—from river to ocean. As we stood there, hand in hand, we both felt incredibly lucky. We’d found something real and meaningful, and even the simplest moments together are extraordinary.