How They Met- Her Version

It all started on Memorial Day weekend at the Perch in Downtown LA. I was perched on the outdoor terrace (pun intended), sipping and enjoying the view, when I found myself chatting with this guy named Nick and his friend. To be honest, I thought Nick was a little aloof at first…polite, but distant. Still, we talked. And somewhere between the small talk and the skyline, we discovered something kind of hilarious: we both live in Ontario. Of all places! I mean, here we were, two people who probably passed each other a dozen times at the grocery store, finally meeting 40 miles away from home.

Just as I was about to head out, I was casually invited to his parents’ barbecue. Apparently, they throw these get-togethers and “invite half the planet.” I figure, why not? I had no plans, and it was just a barbecue, right?

Turns out, it was literally down the street from my house. The moment I walked in and met his family, it was like stepping into a warm hug. Everything just… clicked. There was this strange ease, like I’d known them forever. It didn’t feel like meeting strangers, it felt like coming home.

And here’s the funny part, romance was the LAST thing on my mind. I told myself, “Cool, he lives down the street. We can hang out, hit the beach, grab some dinner. It’ll be fun to have a new friend nearby.” That was it…no expectations.

But somewhere between backyard barbecues and beach days, something shifted. Little by little, our connection deepened. And about a month and a half later, without warning, it became something more. I didn’t see it coming at all…

And here we are, what began as friendship blossomed into a lifetime of love.

How They Met- His Version

I have this habit of zoning out, just staring off into the distance, deep in thought. Some people think I’m being distant or cold. Others, like Angie, have wondered if I’m even thinking at all.

We met at a rooftop restaurant in Los Angeles. The setting was beautiful, the view incredible, and we quickly fell into an easy conversation about the city, our jobs, the holiday weekend coming up, and the kinds of entertainment we both enjoy. I remember being struck by her warm smile and how she made you feel like the only person in the room when she listened.

The conversation was already great, but I decided to throw in a couple of thoughtful questions. First, I asked, “Do you like barbecues?” Then, without missing a beat, I followed with, “Would you like to come to my Memorial Day barbecue?” To my surprise and total joy…she said yes.

The very next day, she showed up. By herself. And just like the night before, everything between us felt effortless. She arrived exactly when she said she would, chatted with everyone at the party like they were longtime friends, and carried herself with such confidence and warmth. Watching her that day is when I really started to fall for her.

For someone like me, naturally shy, talking to Angie felt easy. Since then, we’ve built a life filled with love, laughter, spontaneous adventures, and memories we’ve shared with the people we care about. It’s wild how quickly you can create so many beautiful moments with the right person.

Proposal Story

I knew pretty early on that Angie was the one. So when Valentine’s Day rolled around, just a day after my birthday, I knew there was no better time to propose. After all, she’s the best gift I’ve ever received.

That day, we were in Old Town San Diego. I had spent the morning scouting for the perfect spot to propose…something quiet, charming, and meaningful. I thought I had found it. But like most good stories, things didn’t go exactly according to plan.

We had a sip-and-paint date scheduled, and after we finished, I suggested we go back to Old Town. Angie wasn’t too convinced! she pointed out that most shops would be closed by then, and honestly, it was getting late. So that plan slipped away.

Then came dinner. I considered proposing at the restaurant, but it was too loud, too crowded. Not the moment I wanted to remember forever. I started to wonder where was I going to do this? After dinner, I suggested a walk by the beach. Angie hesitated again...it was cold out, and she wasn’t exactly thrilled about a chilly stroll after a long day. Still, we drove to the pier, and when we got there, she said, “It’s too cold. I’ll watch you walk from the car.”

I stepped out, heart pounding. I glanced back at her, still in the passenger seat. A part of me panicked! was she going to get out? Midnight was creeping closer, and I was determined to propose before Valentine’s Day ended. Finally, she stepped out of the car!!!!!

I looked at her and said, “You probably thought you weren’t going to get your Valentine’s gift today... but here it is.” And right there, under the stars and ocean breeze, I got down on one knee and asked, “Will you marry me?” She said yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So if you ever catch me staring off into the distance, just like I was the day Angie first met me…now you’ll know what I’m thinking: I’m lucky to have her...