Austin and I met on the beach one summer in Ontario. I was spending the weekend at my grandmothers cottage with my cousins and he had a summer house nearby. We instantly clicked the moment we started talking. We ended up playing football on the beach until the sun went down, and that evening I was invited back to his cottage for a midnight swim, sauna sessions with him and his best friend, we deep conversations that felt effortless that night and learned so much about each other. I instantly felt comfortable around him.

The next day, we went out on his boat with our friends and from that point on, we were inseparable. We spent the whole summer together. We went on camping trips, had beach days, and shared so many fun memories just doing everything together. We were clearly into each other, but I held back a little at first, nervous to risk losing someone who had already become one of my best friends. After asking me on a date three times, I finally said yes to him.

For our first date, he took me out on his boat with sushi and music. It was beautiful — until we got stuck in the middle of the water because he couldn’t figure out one of the switches. We ended up launching flares and laughing hysterically as we waited for help. It was chaotic and hilarious, and honestly, the perfect beginning for us.

When summer ended, he was heading off to firefighter college in Alberta, and I was moving to British Columbia. I didn’t think we’d find our way back to each other — but we couldn’t stay apart. He flew out to visit me in BC, and I surprised him later at his graduation. That summer, we picked up right where we left off, and before long, we were building a life together. He ended up joining me in BC and we moved in together and have been living in BC ever since.

We’ve traveled so much together — surf trips, road trips, ski trips, you name it — but Bali holds a special place in our hearts. On our second trip back, staying at the same surf resort we loved years before, Austin proposed. I had left the room, and when I came back, he had the ring hidden under a pillow. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Austin had even set up my tripod beforehand, so we have the whole proposal captured on video. It wasn’t professionally done, but it’s raw, emotional, and so perfectly us.

That evening, we celebrated with dinner at a beautiful cliffside restaurant overlooking the ocean. It felt surreal and incredibly special. Later that night, we went to see our favorite Balinese reggae band. We both love reggae music, and having seen them once before, it felt extra special to watch them again on the day we got engaged.

Years ago, when we had talks about marriage, I had shown him a Ken & Dana ring I loved — and he remembered. The ring he gave me is that exact one, a custom design that’s more beautiful than I ever imagined. Ken & Dana’s craftsmanship and attention to detail are incredible. When he showed me all the thought that went into it, I was stunned. It’s not just a ring — it’s a symbol of our commitment and love, everything we’ve been through, the life we’ve built, and what’s still to come. Every time I look at it, I feel overwhelmed with love.

What makes us us is that we’re the same kind of people— active, adventurous, sporty, social, happy go lucky people and most importantly so loyal to each other. We are each other’s best friends, biggest supporters, and he is the person I trust the most. Life with him is never boring, always full of love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you Ken and Dana for making our dreams come true!