It’s has been a whirlwind coast-to-coast adventure for both Chris and I for the past month. We both took some personal time off to meet each others family for the first time. Chris survived and thrived after spending 10 days in Dallas with my parents, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and old friends. He won my family over when he baked 72 cupcakes for my nephew’s birthday party!

Our next hop was Honolulu, Hawaii where Chris grew up and his parents still live.

I was immersed in Chris’ family’s generosity and warmth from the moment I arrived! This was my first time to Hawaii. I couldn’t wait for the private tour of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world!

When it happened?

We had been enjoying leisurely activities and cooking at home with his parents since my arrival, but on day 3, Chris planned to take me to see the sunset on Waikiki Beach and to listen to his favorite Hawaiian band.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect to watch the sunset. We found a quite, romantic spot on the beach – perhaps the first moment of silence we had experienced on our trip. We just wanted to have a drink amongst the calming sound of the ocean waves.

How it happened?

As the sun began to set Chris started to nervously play in the sand. He told me that Waikiki Beach was one of his favorite beaches growing up and that he use to make necklaces from puka shells he found on the beach. I started to dig through the sand looking shells when I came across a close clam shell. When I picked up the closed shell, Chris said, “Finding a closed shell is good luck, you should open it.” Of course I wasted no time and began to pry it open.

It was a perfect, simple, silver band with an embroidered Hawaii design.

I spent a few minutes examining my beautiful ring.

Jacqueline’s Story: This is a lovely band. He is so sweet! He got me a keepsake gift for me to remember Hawaii. Btw, the “rushing” comment refers to the inside joke of how I don’t like to be rushed when I’m getting ready to go out.

Chris’s Story: “Oh my God, why is she not saying anything? What is she thinking? Maybe she doesn’t get my proposal? Is it too late to tell her it’s a “friendship” ring after the comment she made about rushing her? AHH!

Then, I examined the engraving inside the band, “HO’OKU’I”. Chris noticed my puzzled look and quickly explained that the engraving means “JOIN TOGETHER” in Hawaiian.

At this point, I was a still a little confused. It wasn’t an engagement ring, but yet he’s trying to tell me something special? Right at that moment he looked into my eyes and said, “Will you marry me”? “I wanted to propose after meeting your family, but there was not enough time to set everything up. This ring is a placeholder for the one I want you to pick out”.

It took me a few seconds to get over the initial shock and then it sunk in that he was proposing to me! I said, “YES!!!!”

We want to thank Chris’ mother for helping Chris pick out the special ring; for his father who drove with Chris all over town to find a shell to put the ring in; and to my sisters and my girlfriends, who knew and supported Chris in creating the most beautiful engagement moment!!

~Mahalo Nui Loa – Jacqueline & Chris