Ethan and Renee first crossed paths in September 2013, during their high school years. Living just a couple miles apart, they shared the same bus route. Ethan's persistent yet endearing antics gradually won over Renee's heart, leading to them officially becoming a couple in December of that year. The two high school sweethearts have been inseparable ever since.

Fast forward to July 2023, during a trip to Sao Miguel with Ethan's family, it was there that the two realized how beautiful a wedding would be on the island. Ethan had no immediate plans to propose on vacation after Renee told him not to due to her family not being present. Despite Renee's request, Ethan's plan shifted when Erica, one of her best friends texted her asking if he was going to propose, revealing that Renee really wanted him to while they were there. He knew he had to somehow take advantage of the opportunity even though he did not have an engagement ring.

The next morning while at the beach, Ethan told Renee he was going on a spear fishing trip for the day when in reality he was going into the city to look for a ring. His cousins from the island, Vera and Pedro, took him to several jewelry stores until he found a placeholder ring, knowing that Renee had a special style already in mind. He came back to the beach an hour later, telling Renee that the current was too strong to go fishing, and she never suspected anything thus far.

Later that night, the family had plans to go to Sete Cidades, a mountainous city containing two beautiful lakes, followed by a fancy dinner. It wasn't until Ethan started worrying about if his outfit matched and his hair looked nice that Renee started to suspect something was going on. The entire family drove up to Sete Cidades and pulled over at the first viewpoint. Come to find out, it is a 1.5 mile hike to the official viewpoint. Pedro stressed to both Renee and Ethan's mom that hiking this trail in sandals was not a good idea, so the family hopped back in the car and drove further up the mountain to find another area for Ethan to propose. When they got to the second area, Ethan realized it had become more touristy and fenced off than the last time he was there in 2016. It was then that he decided Renee was going to hike 3 miles round trip in sandals whether she liked it or not.

They go back to the original trail and hike up the mountain. Renee of course slipped in her sandals, but Ethan did shortly after as well. The two were on the main trail with the rest of the family, then Ethan grabbed her arm and took her further down to an old side trail, away from everybody else. Renee stood there for several minutes taking pictures on her phone and soaking up the view while Ethan was down on one knee behind her. As she turned around, Ethan took her by surprise; pulling off the most magical, last-minute proposal in history.

Your presence on our wedding day is all we could ask for! However If you wish to give a gift, here is our registry.